The Igbo apex socio-political group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, claimed on Sunday that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was under pressure to disenfranchise Nigerians ahead of the general elections in 2023.

The Ohanaeze Secretary-General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, claimed that INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu was under pressure to complete the voter registration process by June 2022.

In a statement he signed, Isiguzoro asked Nigerians to demand an extension of the voter registration process.

Isiguzoro advised Nigerians to take advantage of the current operation to obtain their voter cards in advance of the 2023 election.

"Ohanaeze Ndigbo internationally has praised Nigerians, particularly the youths, for their recent efforts to eradicate voter apathy and reclaim Nigeria in 2023," Isiguzoro says. Nigerians should be aware of the ongoing election process manipulation by corrupt politicians in order for INEC to complete the ongoing voter registration exercise and reduce the rush of Nigerians rushing to get their PVC. This is the best time for Nigerians to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise and register all eligible voters, and Nigerians must rise up and demand from INEC that the enrollment of eligible voters be extended until September 2022, as it appears that INEC is under pressure to deny Nigerians their right to vote in the 2023 elections.

"There would be no democracy without Nigerians; the power to elect the best leaders in 2023 will be in Nigerians' hands; we must awaken from our slumber and demand that INEC prolong voter registration till September 2022." Nigerians should utilize peaceful and constitutional means to pressure INEC to prolong the voter registration period to September 2022, beginning June 12th, 2022. On 2022 Democracy Day, our message to Nigerians is to reclaim the country from corrupt politicians.

"We must show them that the sacrifices made by our forefathers were not in vain; Atiku, Tinubu, and Obi should be summoned by youths, civil rights organizations, and religious organizations for a debate on this issue."