INEC registers over 11,800 new voters in Imo, despite security concerns

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported that its Imo State office has successfully registered 11,839 new voters as part of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. Mrs. Emmanuella Ben-Opara, INEC's Head of Department for Voter Education and Publicity in Imo State, shared these figures during a live radio program on Groove FM in Owerri.

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As of Friday, June 13, 2026, we have registered 11,839 new registrants in Imo State.

Ben-Opara explained that these new registrants are individuals who have recently turned 18 or had not previously registered. While the registration process is proceeding across the state, it was temporarily halted in Egbema, located in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, due to reported killings and security concerns. However, she assured that the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, involving the police and other stakeholders, is actively working to restore safety, and INEC anticipates resuming operations in Egbema shortly.

The registration exercise is also active in other areas, including Orsu Local Government Area. INEC is urging eligible citizens who have not yet registered to do so, and those who have relocated to transfer their polling unit details. The commission reiterated that only Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) will be valid for voting, excluding Temporary Voter Cards.

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Currently, registration is ongoing throughout the state except in Egbema, where it was temporarily suspended because of reported killings. However, the police have assured us that normalcy has returned, so we are going back there.

Dr. Maryann Godslight, INEC Public Affairs Officer in Imo State, highlighted that adequate provisions are in place for persons with disabilities to ensure a seamless registration and voting experience. She also noted a significant increase in voter turnout compared to previous phases, with daily registrations often exceeding 100 people, particularly among the youth. Godslight described the turnout as "massive" and "highly commendable," urging citizens to participate in this final phase of registration.

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The turnout has been massive, much higher than in the previous phases. More than 100 people now turn up daily, especially youths. It is as if someone has convinced them to come and register, or something has inspired them this time, because they are coming out in large numbers, which is highly commendable.