The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State claimed that, contrary to what had been reported, thugs did not cart away its voter registration devices in Surulere.
The INEC Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) centre at St. Bridget Catholic Church Ijesha in Surulere was reportedly stormed by thugs on Friday, who stole INEC enrolment machinery.
The surge disrupted the exercise, but no equipment was stolen, according to INEC's public relations officer in Lagos state, Mrs. Adenike Oriowo, who spoke to NAN in response to the event.
“There were issues in the said CVR centre but orderliness was restored and the exercise continued smoothly.
“We have moved the registration in that centre to another polling unit in the area, and our officials have continued with the registration.
“People should be patient. We shall register as many people as possible. If people continue to disrupt the process, the opportunity to register more people before the deadline will be interrupted.
“Our commitment is to register as many people as possible and we will try to do so within the limited time,” the INEC spokesperson said.
The activity had been ongoing since June 2021, according to Oriowo, who frowned at the last-minute rush by many candidates. Instead of taking advantage of the opportunity, many people waited until the deadline.
“As it is, INEC started this process over a year ago. The surge we are experiencing in the last few weeks is expected, but people should as well be patient.
“The commission will do everything possible to register as many people as possible. We will try as much as possible to capture everybody,” she added.
Oriowo claimed that INEC had also been keeping an eye on the state's CVR procedures.
The CVR, which started in June 2021, was supposed to end on July 31 in time for the general elections in 2023, according to NAN.