(DDM) – The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for conducting Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Warri Federal Constituency without adhering to a Supreme Court directive.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the human rights organisation described the ongoing voter registration exercise as unconstitutional and a direct violation of judicial orders aimed at protecting citizens’ electoral rights.
HURIWA Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, recalled the Supreme Court ruling of 2022, which nullified the existing ward boundaries in Warri and mandated a fresh delineation to ensure fair representation.
According to Onwubiko, the commission produced a draft delineation report but failed to publish or implement it, raising concerns about potential disenfranchisement of voters.
TVMetroMedia (TVM) reports that HURIWA warned that proceeding with CVR under the old ward structure could lead to widespread electoral irregularities, undermining the credibility of future elections in the constituency.
The group stressed that compliance with court orders is essential for maintaining democratic integrity and protecting citizens’ franchise.
The organisation called on President Bola Tinubu, legislators, and the judiciary to intervene immediately to compel INEC to implement the Supreme Court’s directives.
Onwubiko emphasised that democracy cannot thrive in an environment where judicial pronouncements are ignored, noting that citizens’ trust in electoral institutions is at stake.
HURIWA also urged INEC to prioritise transparency and fairness by publishing the final ward delineation report before continuing the registration exercise.
The group argued that ignoring legal procedures not only violates the constitution but also erodes public confidence in the electoral process.
The human rights association highlighted that proper adherence to court orders is a non-negotiable requirement for credible elections and that any deviation could trigger legal challenges and public unrest.
They also called for stronger monitoring by civil society groups to ensure that citizens’ voting rights are fully protected.
HURIWA concluded by warning that failure to comply with the Supreme Court’s order would amount to a deliberate attempt to manipulate electoral outcomes and suppress the will of the people in Warri Federal Constituency.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for democratic governance, transparency, and the rule of law in Nigeria.
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