The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said the commission received reports from states indicating an unprecedented surge in the number of citizens that wished to register in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

INEC said the reports indicated that in some states, sudden turnout of prospective registrants was overwhelming.

The commission, however, noted it has deployed additional 209 voter enrolment machines to five South Eastern States, Lagos and Kano to ease the congestion at the ongoing CVR centres.

It made this known via a statement issued by its National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Festus Okoye, on Friday.

INEC said: “Consequently, the Commission convened an urgent meeting with all the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) on Thursday, to review the situation so that eligible Nigerians who wish to register are able to do so.

“The necessity to urgently deploy more voter enrolment machines to ease the congestion at the registration centres was identified as a priority.

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“In response, the Commission has immediately released additional 209 machines deployed mainly to the five South Eastern States, Lagos and Kano where the pressure is most acute.

“The Commission will monitor the situation over the next few days. Thereafter, it will meet to review the progress of the exercise.”

The commission added that every step would be taken and all options would be explored to ensure that eligible Nigerians were given the opportunity to register as voters.

“The Commission appeals for patience and understanding of all citizens.

“Every Nigerian who is 18 years of age and above has the constitutional right to register and vote in any part of the country he/she resides without let or hindrance,” INEC said.

The Star