The Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, has ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to immediately resume Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) until 90 days before the 2023 general elections.
The court, presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, also directed the electoral umpire to ensure that eligible Nigerians are not deprived the opportunity to have the voters’ cards for the forthcoming polls.
The judge held that it was the constitutional responsibility of INEC to make adequate provision for the exercise in accordance with the Nigerian laws.
In the case brought before the court, against INEC, one Anajat Salmat and three others had argued that the commission cannot stop the voter registration contrary to the stipulated provisions of the constitution.
The plaintiffs prayed the court to order the electoral umpire to resume the exercise in accordance with the Constitution of Nigeria.
INEC had in July suspended the CVR after a one-month extension. This was sequel to an order of a Federal High Court, which dismissed a suit filed by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) which sought an extension of the exercise beyond June 30, 2022.