Sam Amadi Faults INEC Over Early Closure Of Voter Registration, Warns Against Disenfranchising Young Nigerians
Political analyst says ending Continuous Voter Registration seven months before elections is unreasonable; predicts APC crisis ahead of 2027 polls
The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Dr. Sam Amadi, has criticised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ending the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise several months before the 2027 general elections, describing the decision as unreasonable and potentially disenfranchising millions of eligible Nigerians.
INEC had earlier reaffirmed that the nationwide CVR exercise would officially close on Sunday, July 26, 2026, urging eligible citizens to register or update their voter information before the deadline.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Sunday, Amadi argued that voter registration should remain open until at least one month before Election Day to ensure wider participation in the democratic process.
‘Many Young Nigerians Will Be Denied Their Voting Rights’
According to Amadi, while INEC has made commendable progress in improving Nigeria’s electoral system, the commission still relies on outdated administrative procedures.
“Closing voter registration nearly seven months before an election is unreasonable. It prevents many young Nigerians who turn 18 before Election Day from registering to vote, effectively denying them the opportunity to participate until the next election cycle,” he said.
He maintained that extending the registration period would strengthen electoral participation and improve the credibility of Nigeria’s democratic process.
Amadi Predicts Internal Crisis Within APC
In a separate comment shared on his official 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) account, Amadi also weighed in on the country’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Despite acknowledging that the All Progressives Congress (APC) remains Nigeria’s most organised political party because it currently controls government, he argued that the ruling party is facing underlying internal tensions that could become more visible as the elections draw closer.
“APC is fairly stable because it is in power to share patronage. Even at that, it is in a serious crisis as it will unfold close to the election,” he wrote.
Peter Obi’s Supporters Will Be Most Reliable Voters – Amadi
Amadi further stated that although the Obidient Movement, OK Movement, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) may currently be experiencing internal challenges, supporters of the NDC’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, remain committed.
He expressed confidence that Obi’s supporters would constitute one of the most dependable voting blocs during the 2027 presidential election.
“Obidient movement may be in crisis, OK movement may be in crisis. NDC may be in crisis. But most Peter Obi voters are not in crisis. They will be the most reliable voters in 2027,” he stated.
Calls For Stronger Political Movement
Amadi concluded by stressing the need for a stronger national political movement capable of addressing Nigeria’s governance challenges beyond the 2027 elections.
According to him, Nigeria is currently facing multiple political and socio-economic crises, adding that meaningful national transformation would require sustained civic and political engagement beyond electoral contests.
He expressed hope that the country would begin the “real work” of national rebuilding after the 2027 general elections.
