How voter registration will shape Nigeria's 2023 elections

The voter registration process for Nigeria's 2023 general elections has been a significant topic of discussion, with data from the Independent National Electoral Commission revealing that 93.5 million voters have been registered. A report by SBM Intelligence further indicated that 97% of over 6,500 respondents who completed the continuous voter registration process expressed a desire to vote in the upcoming election. Tunde Ajileye, a Partner at SBM Intelligence, shed light on the key findings of the survey, highlighting some concerning issues faced by voters. One of the primary objectives of the survey was to gauge the interest of Nigerians in voting and the ease with which they could access their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to exercise their voting rights. Ajileye mentioned that while 97% of respondents expressed a desire to vote, only 79% were able to successfully pick up their PVCs. This highlighted a significant gap between voter interest and accessibility to the required voting credentials. The survey also revealed that only 30% of individuals were able to collect their PVCs on the first attempt, with many facing challenges that required multiple visits to the registration centers. Ajileye shared his personal experience of attempting to collect his PVC seven times without success due to a location transfer. These findings underscored the need for a more seamless and efficient process to enable eligible voters to access their PVCs without unnecessary barriers or delays. The sampling methods and data collection process employed in the survey aimed to ensure a representative sample reflective of Nigeria's diverse population. 16 states were included in the survey, with a total of almost 7,000 individuals interviewed across urban and rural areas. Deliberate efforts were made to capture a range of demographics, including age and employment status, to provide an accurate depiction of voter sentiments and experiences. Despite the comprehensive sampling approach, one concerning statistic stood out from the survey results. Ajileye highlighted that 24% of respondents reported experiencing some form of violence or abuse while attempting to collect their PVCs. This alarming finding raised red flags, particularly in light of past instances where election-related violence deterred voter turnout. Addressing these instances of violence and ensuring the safety and security of individuals during the voter registration process and on election days is crucial to upholding the integrity and inclusivity of Nigeria's democratic processes. The data presented by SBM Intelligence provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by Nigerian voters in accessing their PVCs and exercising their voting rights. The findings underscore the importance of streamlining the voter registration process, enhancing outreach efforts, and addressing security concerns to promote greater participation and confidence in the electoral system.