INEC Extends Voters Registration Exercise by Two Weeks, Registers 23 New Parties

Adedayo Akinwale in Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Tuesday said it had extended the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks.

Also, the electoral body said it had approved the registration of 23 new political parties ahead of the 2019 general election, bringing the total number of political parties in the country to 91.

According to the commission, the voters registration exercise that was supposed to end on August 17 will now come to an end on August 31.

The extension is coming a few days after TakeItBack Movement, OurMumuDonDo Movement, as well as the Presidential Aspirants Coming Together (PACT) initiative, and concerned Civil Society Organisations, met with officials of INEC to call for an extension of the deadline to enable more Nigerians participate.

The Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, who confirmed that the exercise had been extended, also said new political parties had been registered by the commission.

On registration of new parties, Oyekanmi said: “it is true that at today’s emergency meeting, the Commission approved the registration of some political parties. I understand a statement is being prepared. I am attending a workshop in Oshogbo but you will be duly informed soon.”