HOUSE OF REPS MOVE TO INVESTIGATE UNDER AGED VOTERS RGISTRATIONS.

March 7, 2018

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The House of Representatives has mandated its Committee on Electoral and Political Party Matters to investigate the incidence of registration and issuance of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) to under aged voters by the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC).
This followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Johnbull Shekarau(PDP Plateau State) on Tuesday plenary.
Leading debate on the motion, Hon. Shekarau noted that Section 12 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2010 provides that a person shall be qualified to be registered as a voter if such a person has attained the age of eighteen years and the INEC is empowered to register and issue Permanent Voters’ Cards to eligible Nigerians.
He however lamented that the incidence of under aged voters registration has cause serious embarrassment to the nation which he said amounts to threat to the growing democracy.
House of Representatives Correspondent Linda Ike reports that the the motion was further supported by other members warning that if left unchecked, would have adverse effects on the peaceful conduct, credibility of future elections and the legitimacy of elected leaders.
The Lawmakers added that it would be danger to the security of lives of officials posted to handle sensitive national issues such as registration of eligible voters.