Voter Registration Controversy: Yagba East Youths Decry Relocation of CVR Exercise to Ekiti State

By Iyojo Ameh

A growing wave of concern is sweeping through parts of Kogi State following reports that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise for Ward 04 in Yagba East Local Government Area is being conducted outside the state, in neighboring Ekiti.

According to a statement released by the Concerned Youths of Yagba East, the voter registration process is very critical to ensuring citizens’ participation in the democratic process that has been inexplicably relocated to the private residence of a traditional ruler in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State.

The group described the development as alarming and unacceptable, alleging that the move may be a calculated attempt to manipulate the electoral process and disenfranchise voters in Yagba East.

“This situation raises significant concerns, as it appears to be a deliberate tactic of manipulation aimed at skewing the voter registration process in favor of specific political interests,” the statement reads. “It undermines the transparency of the process and poses a serious threat to electoral credibility.”

The CVR exercise, the group claims, has been going on for over three weeks in Ekiti State, creating confusion and frustration among eligible voters in Kogi who now find it difficult or impossible to register in their rightful jurisdiction.

They warned that if the issue is not addressed swiftly, it could result in distorted voter data for both states and weaken the political representation of Yagba East in the lead-up to the 2027 general election.

The Concerned Youths of Yagba East also issued a call to Hon. Olufemi Richard Bamisile, the federal lawmaker representing Gbonyin/Ekiti East/Emure Federal Constituency, urging him to look into the matter urgently and ensure that the democratic rights of his constituents are not being misused to interfere with the registration process in Kogi State.

“Your intervention is crucial,” the group stated. “This irregularity affects not just Yagba East, but could also shortchange the true voter strength of your constituency.”

Furthermore, the group called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to launch an immediate investigation into the matter, relocate the CVR exercise back to the appropriate location in Yagba East, and put mechanisms in place to prevent future occurrences.

“We cannot afford to allow manipulation to dictate the future of our electoral system,” they said. “INEC must uphold its duty to ensure a transparent and credible voter registration process.”

The group concluded by urging traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and all residents of Yagba East to stay alert and ensure that their rights are protected throughout the democratic process.