Membership registration not linked to INEC – City Boy Movement

The City Boy Movement has rejected allegations that its ongoing membership registration could interfere with Nigeria’s electoral process, insisting that the exercise is separate from the voter registration conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The movement said its registration was solely intended to build its membership database and strengthen its organisational structures, stressing that its membership forms and cards had no electoral value and could not replace INEC’s Permanent Voter Cards.

The clarification comes as political organisations intensify efforts to build their grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the movement saying its registration should not be confused with the statutory process of enrolling eligible voters.

In a statement, its Deputy Director-General, Media, Communication and Public Affairs, O’tega Ogra, said registration was open to existing members and Nigerians willing to join voluntarily, either physically or through the organisation’s website.

“The existence of a membership register does not, by itself, establish interference with or manipulation of the electoral register,” the statement said.

The movement said only INEC had the statutory responsibility to register eligible voters and maintain the national voters’ register.

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It added that joining the organisation did not confer voting rights, alter anyone’s details in INEC’s register or satisfy any electoral requirement.

CBM also denied coercing Nigerians into joining, saying individuals were free to decline membership, withdraw from the organisation or make independent political and electoral choices.

“No Nigerian is being coerced or compelled to register with the movement,” it said, adding that it neither impersonated INEC nor misrepresented the purpose of its exercise.

On concerns about the collection of personal information, the organisation said data supplied by prospective members would be processed lawfully and transparently, with safeguards against unauthorised access, use or disclosure.

It said participants would be informed about how their information was processed and their privacy rights, while any consent required by law would be freely given and informed.

The movement urged anyone with evidence of misconduct to submit complaints through its official communication channels, promising to review grievances and cooperate with lawful investigations.