THE AFRICAN Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop the alleged plan to call for voter revalidation, warning that it could become a recipe for chaos.
The party, in a statement by its spokesman, Bolaji Abdullahi, on Wednesday in Abuja, said carrying out voter revalidation months before elections could disenfranchise millions of already registered citizens across the country.
Abdullahi stressed the timing concern, noting that the exercise, if confirmed, would be coming less than 10 months before polls, adding that it would risk confusion, logistical strain and widespread voter disengagement nationwide.
“What happens to Nigerians who will be unable to travel,” he queried, warning that many Nigerians could lose voting rights due to constraints beyond their control or resources.
While warning that new requirements could worsen voter apathy, Abdullahi stated that any added barrier could suppress turnout, undermine democratic participation and weaken the legitimacy of election outcome.
He cautioned INEC against perceptions of bias, stressing that election credibility depends on actions and public trust.
The ADC spokesman called for neutrality to avoid accusations of enabling manipulation before votes are cast.
“Nigerians deserve transparency, not ambiguity, especially for a nationwide exercise of significant electoral importance,” he stated.
Abdullahi argued that revalidation, if necessary, should have occurred earlier, not on the eve of another election, so as to prevent disruption and ensure adequate preparation time.
Calling for restraint, the party urged INEC to abandon such plan, saying that no policy should be allowed to disenfranchise voters or undermine confidence at such a critical democratic moment in the country. (NAN)
