By Erewunmi Peace

The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced a ₦20 million reward for the local government area (LGA) that records the highest number of newly registered voters during the ongoing voter registration drive across the state.

According to reports from local media outlets, including The Gazelle News and Newsmakers Live, the announcement was made by the Lagos APC Chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, during a stakeholder meeting held in Ikeja on Monday.

Ojelabi stated that the initiative is aimed at encouraging voter registration and increasing political participation ahead of the next election cycle. He added that an additional ₦5 million prize would be awarded to the ward that achieves the highest number of new voter registrations.

“We want to motivate our local government areas and wards to take voter mobilization seriously. Every eligible citizen should be part of the electoral process,” Ojelabi was quoted as saying.

The APC Chairman also urged party leaders, youth groups, and community associations to actively support the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) registration exercise.

While the announcement has generated interest among party supporters, some observers have questioned the legality and fairness of tying monetary rewards to voter registration figures. Political analysts warn that such incentives, if not properly monitored, could create opportunities for manipulation or undue pressure on registrants.

As of press time, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had not issued an official statement regarding the APC’s initiative. Major national media outlets have yet to independently verify the claim, though local party officials maintain that the reward system is genuine and will be transparently implemented.

The Lagos APC has in recent months intensified voter engagement efforts as part of a broader campaign to boost turnout in upcoming elections.