The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered 11,839 new voters in Imo State during the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise, even as it temporarily suspended registration activities in Egbema, Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, over security concerns.
The commission said the new registrants are largely first-time voters who recently attained the constitutional voting age of 18.
Speaking on a live radio programme, The Brief, on Groove FM in Owerri on Thursday, INEC’s Head of Department for Voter Education and Publicity in Imo State, Mrs Emmanuella Ben-Opara, said the exercise remains active across the state despite challenges in a few areas.
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According to her, 11,839 fresh registrations had been recorded as of June 13.
“As of Friday, June 13, 2026, we have registered 11,839 new registrants in Imo State,” she said.
“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.”
Ben-Opara said INEC officials were also operating in Orsu Local Government Area and other parts of the state to ensure eligible citizens are not denied the opportunity to register.
She urged residents who have not previously registered to take advantage of the exercise, while reminding voters that only Permanent Voter Cards would be accepted during elections.
“If you have relocated, you can transfer your polling unit to your new location. However, people can only vote with their Permanent Voter Cards. Nobody with a Temporary Voter Card will be allowed to vote,” she said.
The voter registration exercise forms part of INEC’s preparations ahead of future elections, with the commission encouraging Nigerians who recently turned 18 or missed earlier registration windows to enrol before the deadline.
INEC Public Affairs Officer in Imo State, Dr Maryann Godslight, described turnout at registration centres as impressive, particularly among young people.
“The turnout has been massive, much higher than in the previous phases. More than 100 people now turn up daily, especially youths,” she said.
“It is as if something has inspired them this time because they are coming out in large numbers, which is highly commendable.”
Godslight also assured persons living with disabilities that adequate arrangements had been put in place to facilitate seamless registration and participation in elections.
She added that security had been strengthened at registration centres across the state and urged eligible residents to register before the exercise closes.
“We have adequate security at all the registration centres, including the rotating centres. We call on people to come out and register because this is the last phase.”
The development highlights growing voter interest in Imo as political activities gradually build toward the 2027 general elections.
