The group calls for the dismissal of the Lagos REC and urges the INEC to educate the electorate on the redistributed voting units

A group, Nigeria's Voters Watch, yesterday called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to remove its Lagos State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Olusegun Agbaje, from presiding over the affairs of the 2023 elections .

The group's chairwoman, Dr Stella Ford, speaking in Lagos, said suspending or outright terminating his appointment with immediate effect would reduce and minimize the damage he has already done in sowing prejudice, bigotry and doubt in the public space.

Ford also urged INEC and law enforcement to sanction political parties and their members who commit acts of intimidation, physical threats and verbal threats before, during and after the elections, while calling on the international community to consider revoking the visas of these leaders and denying them entry into the civilized world.

"INEC withdrew 240 polling stations and redistributed the same voters in those 240 polling stations to other PUs across Nigeria, but unfortunately the Electoral Commission did not put enough effort into educating voters. voters about these changes and how affected voters can locate their new PU

“We urge INEC to urgently educate voters through text messaging, phone contacts and general public education. INEC should also post voter registration at least 10 days before the election , starting tomorrow to give voters enough time to check their UPs.

"The safety and security of voters must be taken very seriously by the INEC given the threats and physical injuries already suffered by potential voters, particularly Labor Party (LP) voters."

The group also said that the INEC should, as a matter of urgency, withdraw any arrangements regarding the transport of voting materials from interested individuals throughout the country to ensure the safety and security of votes cast on the day of the election. ballot.

She explained, "The disturbing voicemails that have reached us and many people, including members of the press and law enforcement, where elected and appointed members of a particular party have threatened their neighbours, even physical expulsion from Lagos if they fail to vote for their party must be taken very seriously. Information reaching us is that law enforcement is looking into the matter. We urge immediate prosecution."

Ford also urged INEC to let Nigeria and Nigerians know about the fate of Nigerian students who have not had time to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), saying it would be a great injustice to deprive a large number of students of their rights. young population.