Professor Chidi Odinkalu has sharply criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) over its handling of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Anambra State. On X (formerly Twitter), he revealed that INEC is reportedly considering extending the CVR deadline in Anambra by three days, moving it to July 20.
However, Odinkalu warned that such an extension would be “a con & a non-event” unless there are significant improvements in the supply of registration machines, the deployment of personnel, and internet bandwidth areas where the commission has so far fallen short.
Odinkalu described the ongoing CVR exercise in Anambra as a "deliberate & intentional disaster," criticizing INEC for deploying very few machines and staff, which subjected registrants to “unspeakable indignity.” He insisted that INEC has a duty not only to extend the registration period but to also improve operations to ensure a smooth and fair voter registration process.
His comments underscore growing frustration among civil society and the public regarding INEC’s preparedness and commitment to fair electoral processes in Anambra State. Without concrete improvements, Odinkalu warns the voter registration exercise risks disenfranchising many potential voters and undermining the integrity of upcoming elections in the state.