BY JOHN DANJUMA

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has refuted allegations by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) questioning the credibility of figures recorded in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

In a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, Musa Olurode, on Wednesday, INEC described the ADC’s claims of “statistical implausibility” as unfounded and misleading.

According to the Commission, Osun State has consistently ranked among the highest in online pre-registration nationwide.

“Osun State has consistently demonstrated remarkable civic enthusiasm and responsiveness to voter registration. During the CVR exercise preceding the 2022 Governorship Election and the 2023 General Elections, Osun State led all other states of the federation in online pre-registration. This is not a matter of conjecture but a verifiable fact from official INEC records,” the statement said.

It further explained that online pre-registration is only the first step in the voter registration process and does not confer the status of a registered voter unless validated by in-person biometric capture at designated INEC centres.

“The ADC’s claim of ‘statistical implausibility’ is untrue. The figures recorded so far are consistent with the state’s history of active civic engagement and should rather be celebrated as evidence of growing democratic awareness rather than disparaged with baseless insinuations,” the statement read.

The Commission advised political parties to verify facts before rushing to the press with unfounded allegations.

“Spreading misinformation does not serve the democratic process; rather, it undermines the collective efforts of stakeholders committed to credible elections. Instead of dissipating energy on baseless accusations and discrediting INEC, we urge political parties to join hands in the critical task of sensitizing, educating, and mobilizing eligible Nigerians, particularly in Osun State, to participate in the CVR exercise. This is the path of responsibility and patriotism expected of registered political parties in a democracy,” it said.

INEC reaffirmed that the ongoing CVR exercise in Osun State, and across the federation, is being conducted strictly in accordance with the Electoral Act 2022, INEC guidelines, and global best practices.