Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Olamilekan Adeola has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to consider alternative methods of identification to reduce voter disenfranchisement.
Mr. Adeola, popularly known as Yai, believed that accepting different forms of voting identification information would improve the inclusiveness and transparency of the electoral process.
Naija News reports that the lawmaker representing Ogun West Senatorial District has praised the use of National Identification Number and Driving License as valid voter identification documents during the ongoing local government elections in Ogun State. Ta.
He explained that this approach prevents voter disenfranchisement and ensures broad participation.
After voting at the UAMC polling station in Pahay, Ilaro State, Mr. Yai said that the Independent National Electoral Commission could alleviate the problems associated with permanent voter cards by considering alternative identification options, which would help Nigerians It said it could facilitate a more seamless voting experience.
In an interview after the vote, the senator suggested allowing passports or national identity cards to be used in conjunction with INEC cards to authenticate voters’ identities.
Mr Yai, however, acknowledged that the current electoral law only allows INEC cards, suggesting that any amendments would require amendments to the law. He emphasized the importance of an inclusive and legal process to achieve these changes.
“I really want to believe that there is nothing wrong with using other means of identification if it alleviates this idea of disenfranchising people for whatever reason.
“The only thing is that there needs to be a lot of process to this so that we can make this more legal and transparently show the level of use to the whole world. As far as that process is concerned, this is Nigeria It will convince people that in the future, in addition to PVC, other means of legal identification, such as passports and NIN cards, can also be used.
“But as I said, what is allowed by law as we speak today is PVC. So if we’re going to amend the Electoral Act to address all these things that haven’t been done yet. “There is a need,” he told reporters.
Mr Adeola added: “So, for now, we support INEC introducing this. It is a way that people will not be deprived of their right to exercise their fundamental human rights. It is, to some extent, the right step in the right direction.
“But from a legislator’s perspective, we know that the right thing has to be done for the process to be recognized by law.”
Mr. Adeola, however, noted that the turnout was excellent and commended the peaceful election process in the senatorial district and the state.
“Based on the information that we’ve gathered from all over my Senate district and even the entire state, this is a very peaceful election process. As far as turnout, I can tell you from where I voted here, that turnout. I’m impressed by the height of the.
“It is anticipated that the process has just begun and that within the next few hours everyone should be fully aware that the voting process has begun and should come out and vote for the candidate of their choice. I think so.”
“And I have to give special praise to OGSIEC for simply putting together a very successful process,” he said.
Mr Adeola’s call for alternative methods of identification echoes similar proposals by civil society groups such as Yaaga Africa, which advocates for the use of national ID cards, passports and driver’s licenses for voter authentication. There is.
