INEC to Begin Claims and Objections Exercise in Rivers April 29

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Rivers State has announced its readiness to commence the claims and objections exercise for the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Gabriel Yomere, disclosed this in a statement issued by the commission’s Head of Voter Education and Publicity, Geraldine Ekelemu.

Yomere stated that the exercise would run from April 29 to May 5 across all 23 Local Government Area offices of the commission in the state.

He explained that the exercise follows the conclusion of the second phase of the CVR and is designed to enable individuals who registered, transferred, or updated their voter details to verify their information.

According to him, the process will also allow voters to check for omissions or errors in their registration details, as well as provide an opportunity for the public to scrutinise the preliminary voters’ register.

The REC noted that members of the public could raise objections to the inclusion of ineligible persons, including deceased individuals, foreigners, and underage registrants.

He added that valid objections would result in the removal of such names from the register.

Yomere emphasised that the exercise is critical to ensuring the integrity of the voters’ register, stressing that a credible register is essential for the conduct of free, fair, and transparent elections.

He urged all registered voters in Rivers State to participate actively in the exercise, describing it as part of INEC’s preparations for the 2027 General Elections.

The REC also assured the public of the commission’s commitment to credible electoral processes and called on stakeholders to support the exercise to ensure its success.

He reaffirmed INEC’s dedication to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral system.