Mallam Isah Ehimeakhe, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Bayelsa, on Monday appealed to voters not to engage in double registration, describing it as an offence under Nigerian law.
Ehimeakhe made the appeal in Yenagoa while addressing newsmen, stressing that multiple registrations attract penalties, including fines or imprisonment, as stipulated in Section 114 (b) of the Electoral Act 2022.
He explained that INEC’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) is capable of detecting multiple registrations and would flag individuals who attempt to register more than once.
“Once you have been issued a PVC, or previously completed the registration process, you do not need to register again,” he said. “Attempting to do so amounts to double registration, which is a punishable offence under the law. Specifically, Section 114 (b) of the Electoral Act 2022 prohibits double registration. Penalties include a fine, imprisonment, or both.”
The REC emphasized that voter registration is not only a fundamental right but also a civic duty of every eligible Nigerian citizen. He added that no individual can vote in an election unless they are duly registered.
“We urge all Nigerians who have attained the age of 18 and have not yet registered to do so,” he said.
Ehimeakhe reassured the public that INEC is committed to safeguarding the voting rights of every eligible citizen and that no qualified voter will be denied the opportunity to register and vote.
He added that security agencies and other key partners were on ground to ensure a safe, transparent, and credible registration exercise.
(NAN)