Aisha Dukku, chairperson of the house of representatives
committee on electoral matters, says the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) didn’t promise to extend voter registration by 60 days.
According to Dukku, the electoral umpire has several
activities on its timetable ahead of the 2023 general election which makes it not
viable to extend the deadline by 60 days.
The house of representatives had asked INEC to extend the
deadline by 60 days, following the June 30 closing date set by the electoral
body.
Speaking on the floor of the house earlier on Wednesday,
Dukku had said INEC agreed to extend the deadline.
“He (INEC chairman)
has already agreed to extend but for the court injunction he is to appear on
the 29th of June,” she had said.
“That notwithstanding, he said it has been guaranteed that
it has to be extended, and not just extending, but also it would additionally
be done during weekends. He has agreed to that and he is going to make a
statement very soon to that effect.
“That extension also involves additional machines,
additional ad-hoc staff, and of course, he’s going to collaborate with the
security agencies to make sure that is also done.
“So, all the prayers of the motion were approved and all
members of the committee were there, including the mover of the motion.”
But briefing journalists after plenary, Dukku said INEC
didn’t agree to the request of the lower legislative chamber.
Dukku said Mahmood Yakubu, INEC chairman, only promised to
“look at” the request of the lower legislative chamber.
“Part of what INEC told the house through the committee on
electoral matters is that they are going to look at our request. However,
whatever happens, they cannot be able to open the registration for the next 60
days because of the activities lined up before the general election,” she said.
“The registration of
voters is one aspect. There are other schedules that have to be done which the
chairman explained. Such include the printing of voter cards, distribution of
the cards and the pasting of list of all persons registered in all 774 local
governments nationwide.
“And so, it will not be possible. This is the statement— for
INEC to extend for the days we requested. However, they will go back and look
at their timeline and look at how possible they will be able to increase the
days for registration.
“Mind you, they are already in court. The court has stopped
them from closing the date for registration. In essence, INEC will inform
Nigerians as to how many days they will be able to extend the registration in
view of other milestones that they have to achieve.”
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