The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the recently concluded Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) and voter data update exercise by one month.

The group said the move would enable millions of eligible Nigerians to participate in the 2027 general elections.

It also criticised what it described as the electoral commission’s inadequate voter education campaign and expressed concern over the absence of visible efforts to tackle vote buying, voter apathy and electoral violence ahead of the polls.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA noted that many Nigerians were unable to register or update their voter records because of poor access to registration centres, network challenges, transportation difficulties and inadequate awareness of the exercise.

According to the group, extending the exercise would ensure that no eligible citizen is disenfranchised by administrative timelines that failed to reflect the realities faced by many Nigerians.

“It would amount to a serious democratic injustice if these Nigerians are denied the opportunity to vote simply because the electoral commission refused to accommodate legitimate public concerns. Every eligible citizen deserves a fair opportunity to register and participate in choosing those who govern the country,” HURIWA said.

The organisation noted that first-time voters who recently attained the age of 18, students, persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons and Nigerians seeking to transfer or update their voter records were among those most affected by the closure of the registration exercise.

Beyond the call for an extension, HURIWA faulted what it described as the absence of an aggressive nationwide voter enlightenment campaign by INEC despite growing concerns over declining voter turnout and public confidence in the electoral process.

It argued that voter education should extend beyond teaching citizens how to vote to include sustained campaigns against vote buying, vote selling, political intimidation and election-related violence.

According to the group, electoral corruption remains one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s democracy, yet there is little evidence of coordinated nationwide efforts to discourage politicians from inducing voters or educating citizens on the consequences of selling their votes.

The association also expressed concern over what it described as weak enforcement of existing laws against electoral offences, warning that the failure to prosecute offenders had encouraged continued violations of the Electoral Act.

HURIWA further called for stronger collaboration between INEC and security as well as anti-graft agencies to combat electoral crimes before, during and after elections.

It specifically urged closer coordination involving the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other relevant institutions.

“It is not enough to warn politicians against vote buying. Nigerians deserve to see concrete preparations, intelligence gathering, surveillance, strategic deployment of personnel and clear operational plans for identifying, arresting and prosecuting those who seek to corrupt the electoral process through bribery, intimidation or violence,” the group stated.

HURIWA also warned that inflammatory political rhetoric, the mobilisation of youths for violence and the proliferation of small arms could undermine peaceful elections if proactive measures are not taken.

It urged INEC to broaden its civic education programmes to promote peaceful participation, tolerance of opposing political views, respect for election outcomes and greater confidence in democratic institutions.

The association said Nigeria also faces the risk of worsening voter apathy, noting that many citizens have become disillusioned because they believe their votes may not count and that electoral offenders are rarely punished.

To address the challenge, HURIWA called on INEC to immediately commence an intensive nationwide voter mobilisation campaign in partnership with civil society organisations, traditional rulers, faith-based groups, professional associations, youth and women organisations, community-based organisations and the media.

According to the group, the credibility of the 2027 general elections will depend not only on transparent voting and credible collation of results but also on the willingness of electoral authorities to encourage wider voter participation and enforce electoral laws without fear or favour.

It maintained that extending the voter registration exercise by one month would strengthen the credibility and legitimacy of the elections by giving every eligible Nigerian willing to register a reasonable opportunity to do so.

HURIWA urged INEC to demonstrate its commitment to inclusive democracy by responding to public concerns and taking decisive steps to build confidence in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.