According to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), three million IDPs are expected to cast ballots in the upcoming general elections in 2023.
The Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced this on Tuesday in Abuja at a meeting with stakeholders regarding the 2022 Revised Framework and Regulations for Voting by IDPs.
Explaining that the revised framework had taken into account various developments since the last review and validation in 2018, it added that once the ongoing Automated Biometric Identification System to remove all double and ineligible registrants is completed, it will display voter registers all over the country.
According to Prof. Yakubu: “The policy was to ensure that no eligible Nigerian is left out of the electoral process on account of displacement, disability or other circumstances that may limit citizens’ participation in the electoral process.
“One of such developments is the increased number of IDPs as a result of widespread insecurity nationwide.
“Secondly, to incorporate not only the displaced citizens arising from armed conflicts but also natural emergencies such as flooding.
“Thirdly, to align the framework with the provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, specifically Section 24(1) which empowers the Commission to ensure that, as far as practicable, no Nigerian is disenfranchised on account of displacement by emergencies. Finally, to align the framework with the national policy on internally displaced persons 2021.”
The electoral body noted that there was also a need for strong collaboration with relevant stakeholders for voter education and sensitisation of IDPs.