Director of Voter Education and Publicity at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Victoria Eta-Messi, has identified long distances between rural communities and registration centres as a major factor discouraging voter registration across Nigeria.

In an interview with ARISE News on Monday, Eta-Messi explained that many eligible voters, particularly in rural areas, were unable or unwilling to travel to local government headquarters where registration centres are currently located.

She added that the Commission plans to address the issue during the second phase of continuous voter registration by introducing a rotation policy to bring registration devices and teams closer to voters at the ward level.

“One major challenge that has been noticed and noted is the fact that in local governments where there is quite some considerable distance from communities to the local government office, that has been discouraging citizens from coming to register,” she said.

Eta-Messi explained that in response to this challenge, INEC would introduce a rotation policy during the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to bring registration closer to voters.

“The Commission is aware of this challenge, and during the second phase, we are going to introduce the policy of rotation,” she said. “The machines and registration teams will be taken to the ward level, moving from ward to ward, so that the devices are brought closer to the people.”

She disclosed that the second phase of the CVR exercise runs from January 5 to April 17, covering about 75 working days, noting that registration would hold only on weekdays. According to her, the rotation to ward-level registration would begin later in the exercise, while registration initially continues at INEC local government and state offices.

Addressing concerns about voter registration in insecure areas, Eta-Messi said INEC was working closely with security agencies to ensure the safety of staff and registrants.

“We’re working closely with the Nigeria Police Force and the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security,” she said. “There is intelligence sharing, mapping of flashpoints, and special arrangements for areas with security challenges. Where we are unable to penetrate, registration will be restricted to safe areas.”

On public trust in the electoral process, the INEC spokesperson acknowledged widespread scepticism but said the Commission was taking steps to rebuild confidence, particularly under its new leadership.

“The fact that we have a new chairman in place, we’re hoping and believing that we’ll be able to earn the trust of citizens,” Eta-Messi said. “This chairman is high on accountability and does not waste time making it clear that everyone will be held responsible for their actions and inactions.”

She added that INEC was intensifying voter education and sensitisation campaigns to encourage greater participation.

“We’re encouraging people to participate because the fewer people that participate, the easier it is for a few people to decide the fate of the whole citizenry,” she said. “We’re also encouraging citizens to keep an eye on INEC. Accountability works both ways.”

Responding to concerns about logistics and technology failures during elections, Eta-Messi said the voter registration systems had proven reliable during the first phase of the CVR.

“The systems are tested and trusted,” she said. “From August to December, there were no major reports of system malfunction. Our personnel are well trained and know exactly what is expected of them.”

She acknowledged funding constraints as a major reason why registration centres could not be permanently deployed at polling units or wards.

“If we deployed permanently to polling units or wards, the cost would be humongous,” she explained. “That is why registration is restricted, but citizens also have sufficient time because the CVR runs from August 2025 to August 2026.”

On youth participation, Eta-Messi said INEC had dedicated structures aimed at reversing voter apathy among young people.

“We have departments with specific responsibility for youth engagement,” she said. “There are initiatives designed to engage young people and reignite their interest in the electoral process.”

Addressing concerns about fraud and multiple registrations, she insisted that the CVR process was robust.

“We conduct claims and objections, followed by de-duplication,” she said. “We use the Automated Biometric Identification System to weed out multiple registrations.”

She added that INEC also has an Artificial Intelligence division capable of countering attempts at technological interference.

On the long-standing issue of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards, Eta-Messi acknowledged the frustration of affected Nigerians and assured that the Commission would continue to address distribution challenges.

“We’re aware of the issue, and we will continue to work to ensure eligible voters get their cards,” she said.

(AriseNews TV)

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