The Lagos State chapter of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) has expressed concern over alleged cases of discrimination and exclusion in the ongoing voter registration exercise being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) across the state.
The party said it had received multiple complaints from residents who claimed they were denied registration or subjected to undue delays and hostile treatment at some registration centres because of their perceived political affiliations, ethnic backgrounds, names or states of origin.
Describing the allegations as disturbing, APM warned that any attempt to deny eligible Nigerians access to voter registration poses a serious threat to democratic participation and public confidence in the electoral process.
In a statement signed by the party’s Lagos State Publicity Secretary, Ayodele Kazeem, the party stressed that voter registration remains a constitutional right that should be enjoyed by every Nigerian without discrimination.
“The right to register and vote is a fundamental democratic right guaranteed to all citizens irrespective of ethnicity, religion, political leaning or place of origin,” the statement noted.
According to the party, reports of selective treatment at registration centres, if left unchecked, could undermine the credibility of the electoral process and weaken confidence in democratic institutions.
APM therefore called on INEC to urgently investigate the allegations and ensure that all registration centres operate in a transparent, fair and non-discriminatory manner.
The party also urged the electoral commission to strengthen monitoring mechanisms capable of detecting and preventing any form of bias, intimidation or exclusion during the exercise.
While appealing for calm, APM encouraged individuals who may have experienced discrimination or obstruction during the registration process to properly document such incidents and report them through appropriate channels for investigation and possible redress.
The party reiterated its commitment to justice, inclusiveness and democratic participation, insisting that every eligible Nigerian must be given equal opportunity to register and participate in determining the future of the country.
It further called on civil society organisations, election observers and other stakeholders to work closely with INEC to safeguard the integrity of the exercise and ensure that no eligible voter is disenfranchised.
As preparations for future elections gather momentum, the controversy highlights the importance of maintaining public trust in the nation’s electoral process. For APM, the credibility of democracy depends not only on the conduct of elections but also on ensuring that every eligible citizen has unhindered access to participate from the very first stage of voter registration.
