Cross River PDP Alleges Illegal Voter Registration at Government House, Demands Probe

Cross River PDP alleges illegal voter registration at the Dan Archibong Lodge inside the Government House in Calabar, accusing individuals it says are acting on behalf of the state government of conducting an unauthorised exercise.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the party’s Publicity Secretary, Prince Mike Ojisi, described the alleged activity as a serious threat to the credibility of the electoral process. Consequently, the opposition party called for an immediate investigation by the relevant authorities.

The PDP urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to investigate the allegation, identify those responsible and prosecute anyone found guilty in line with the law.

According to the party, any unauthorised voter registration exercise could weaken public confidence in future elections and undermine Nigeria’s democratic process. Furthermore, it warned that credible elections depend on transparent and lawful electoral procedures.

The party also reaffirmed its commitment to free, fair and credible elections. It appealed to residents of Cross River State to remain calm, law-abiding and vigilant while the authorities examine the claims.

Meanwhile, efforts to obtain a response from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) were unsuccessful. Calls and text messages sent to the Cross River APC Chairman, Chris Eta, were not answered before this report was filed.

However, the Cross River State Government dismissed the allegation. The Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Fred Abua, denied that any such activity was taking place.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Nothing of such is taking place,” Abua said.

At the time of publication, INEC and other security agencies had not publicly responded to the allegations. Cross River PDP alleges illegal voter registration remains an allegation, and there is no independent confirmation that any unlawful registration exercise took place.