INEC Faces Extortion Allegations Over ₦2,000 Voter Registration Demand in Anambra

INEC Faces Extortion Allegations Over ₦2,000 Voter Registration Demand in Anambra

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is facing allegations of extortion following claims that applicants were asked to pay ₦2,000 before their voter registration or Permanent Voter Card, PVC, applications could be processed in Anambra State.

The incident reportedly occurred at the INEC office in Onitsha South Local Government Area and was captured in a video circulating on social media.

In the video, an applicant is seen confronting officials over the alleged demand, insisting that voter registration and PVC-related services are free. The confrontation reportedly attracted other applicants and bystanders, resulting in a heated exchange at the office.

According to a resident who narrated the incident, some officials allegedly demanded ₦2,000 from applicants before completing their registration or processing their PVCs.

However, the full circumstances surrounding the incident have not been independently verified.

The allegation has sparked reactions on social media, with many Nigerians calling on INEC to investigate the matter and sanction any official found guilty of extortion.

INEC has repeatedly stated that voter registration services are free of charge. These include fresh registration, collection of PVCs, transfer of voter information, correction of personal details, and replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.

The commission has also urged members of the public to report cases of extortion, bribery, or illegal charges by its officials or personnel involved in voter registration and PVC distribution.

As of the time of filing this report, INEC had not issued an official statement specifically addressing the allegation involving its Onitsha South office.

The incident comes as the commission continues its nationwide Continuous Voter Registration exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections. INEC recently extended the exercise following appeals from stakeholders and members of the public to allow more eligible Nigerians to register.

The commission has also introduced an online self-service platform through which prospective voters and existing registrants can complete several registration-related processes, while reiterating that all voter registration services remain free.