Commotion erupted at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Onitsha South Local Government Area of Anambra State after officials were accused of demanding ₦2,000 from applicants before processing voter registration and issuing Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The allegation surfaced in a video circulating on social media, showing what appeared to be a heated confrontation between applicants and officials at the electoral commission’s office.
According to a resident who narrated the incident in the video, some INEC officials allegedly insisted that applicants pay ₦2,000 before their registration or PVC processing could be completed.
The situation reportedly degenerated into a confrontation when one of the applicants, a man challenged the alleged demand, insisting that voter registration and the issuance of PVCs are constitutionally free services that should not attract any payment.
The applicant was said to have confronted the officials and attempted to record the exchange on a mobile phone, triggering a heated argument that attracted other applicants and bystanders.
Although raised voices and commotion could be heard in the footage, the full circumstances surrounding the incident have not been independently verified.
The video has since sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the alleged extortion and urging INEC to investigate the incident and sanction anyone found culpable.
INEC has consistently maintained that all voter registration services are provided free of charge. These include fresh voter registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards, transfer of voter information, correction of personal details, and replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.
Under Nigeria’s electoral guidelines, no applicant is required to pay any fee for voter registration or to obtain, replace or transfer a Permanent Voter Card.
The commission has repeatedly advised members of the public to report any form of extortion, bribery or illegal charges by its permanent or ad hoc staff engaged in voter registration and PVC distribution.
As of the time of filing this report, INEC officials in anambra had not issued an official statement specifically addressing the allegations involving its Onitsha South Local Government office. When THISDAY called the spokesperson of the commission in Anambra, Mrs Ugo Lechukwu, he phone rang severally without answer.
The incident comes as the electoral commission continues its nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which was recently extended following appeals from stakeholders and members of the public to accommodate more eligible voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
INEC has also introduced an online self-service platform to enable prospective voters and existing registrants to complete several registration-related processes more conveniently while reiterating that all its voter registration services remain free of charge.
David-Chyddy Eleke
