The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has disputed claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise has yielded statistically implausible figures. According to INEC, the ADC’s allegations are unfounded and misleading.

In a statement, Musa Olurode, the Commission’s Public Relations Officer, noted that Osun State has consistently recorded high levels of civic enthusiasm during voter registration exercises, particularly ahead of the 2022 Governorship Election and the 2023 General Elections. This pattern, Olurode emphasized, is not new, citing the state’s lead in online pre-registration during previous exercises as a verifiable fact from official INEC records.

INEC clarified that online pre-registration is only the first step in the voter registration process and does not automatically confer the status of a registered voter. The process requires biometric capture at designated centers, and any attempt to create the impression that these figures translate directly into actual voter registration is unfounded.

The electoral body described the ADC’s reference to statistical implausibility as untrue and inconsistent with Osun’s record of high civic engagement, instead viewing the figures as evidence of growing democratic awareness. INEC advised political parties to exercise due diligence by cross-checking facts with the Commission before making public allegations.

The Commission urged political parties to focus on sensitizing and mobilizing eligible voters rather than discrediting INEC with baseless accusations. It reiterated that the CVR exercise is being conducted strictly in line with the Electoral Act 2022, INEC guidelines, and global best practices, and assured that it would not be distracted by unsubstantiated claims.

The ADC had previously expressed concerns over the statistically implausible figures released by INEC in its first-week report on continuous voter registration, citing nearly 400,000 new registrations in just seven days in Osun State alone. However, INEC remains committed to transparency and inclusiveness in all electoral processes, with the Osun State Office, under the leadership of Resident Electoral Commissioner Dr. Mutiu Agboke, working to ensure the effectiveness of its sustained voter enlightenment campaigns.

The impressive turnout witnessed so far in the CVR exercise is a testament to the Commission’s efforts, and INEC reassured residents that it will continue to conduct the exercise in a transparent and inclusive manner. As the electoral process continues, INEC’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the process remains unwavering, and it will not be swayed by unfounded allegations.