The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has implored Nigerians, especially youths, to get involved in deepening the country’s democracy, rather than criticise its processes.

“We should not simply lament, criticise and condemn. We must get involved for the good of our democracy and the country,” INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu said.

Speaking at the commission’s consultative meeting with civil society organisations (CSOs) on Wednesday in Abuja, Mr Yakubu advised them to sensitise voters, especially the youths who constituted the larger percentage in the voter register to come out and vote on election days.

“We will continue to work with all stakeholders, especially the civil society organisations to sensitise the youths and other categories of voters to ensure that beyond registration, they come out and vote on election days,” he added.

He appreciated the role of CSOs in encouraging and mobilising eligible Nigerians who have not registered to do so.

“For those who have completed the registration, the commission is right now undertaking the most comprehensive cleaning up of the data to ensure that only eligible citizens are added to the voters’ register for the 2023 general elections,” stressed Mr Yakubu. “We will share our findings with Nigerians very soon. The actual dates for the collection of the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) nationwide will also be announced very soon.”

On the elections in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), he explained that in the next few weeks INEC would intensify stakeholder engagements, the monitoring of campaigns by political parties, and preparations for election day activities.

On the distribution of voters to polling units in the FCT, Mr Yakubu disclosed that 593 out of 2,822 (21 per cent) of the total PUs in the territory did not have voter cards.

(NAN)