City Boy Movement denies voter registration link, says membership drive voluntary
- The City Boy Movement says its membership registration is separate from INEC's voter registration.
- It denied coercing Nigerians or impersonating INEC, and said forms are not voter cards.
- The group also defended its patron Seyi Tinubu against what it called unsupported allegations.
The City Boy Movement (CBM) has denied that its ongoing membership registration is meant to interfere with the voter registration run by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement on Monday, the group said the exercise is only to update its membership records, strengthen its structures and coordinate its activities.
The statement was signed by O'tega Ogra, CBM's Deputy Director-General for Media, Communication and Public Affairs.
CBM said Nigerians can join voluntarily, either in person or through its website, and that nobody is being forced to register.
Why it matters to voters
The clarification matters because only INEC can register eligible voters and keep the national voters' register. A membership card from any group, including CBM, does not make anyone eligible to vote.
CBM said its forms and cards are not INEC documents and cannot replace the Permanent Voter Card (PVC).
"Registration with CBM does not register anyone to vote," the statement said.
The group also said keeping a membership register does not, by itself, amount to interfering with the electoral register.
On data, CBM said information collected during the exercise will be handled under data protection laws, with safeguards against unauthorised access, use or disclosure.
It urged anyone with evidence of misconduct to report through its official channels, promising to review complaints fairly and cooperate with lawful investigations.
CBM also defended its patron, Seyi Tinubu, saying he should not be linked to wrongdoing simply because of his relationship with the organisation.
It said any allegation against its patron, officers or members should be backed by specific facts and evidence.
The group restated its support for the Renewed Hope Agenda and the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whom it calls its Grand Patron.
It said its political activities will be peaceful and lawful.
What happens next
The sources did not say whether INEC or any security agency is investigating the allegations. CBM says it will review complaints it receives and cooperate with lawful investigations.
For now, Nigerians who want to vote should deal only with INEC for voter registration and PVCs.
