The Independent Na-tional Electoral Com-mission (INEC), has cleared 64 million Nigerians to participate in the forthcoming general elections.

This was disclosed by INEC’s commissioner, Alhaji Shehu Musa, the Makaman Nupe, at a news conference yesterday in Abuja.

According to the commissioner, after the display of voter’s register for claims and objections, 64 million people have been found eligible.

Similarly, the commissioner disclosed that the voters’ cards are currently being printed to replace the tear-off sheets earlier issued to registrants.

The Makaman Nupe stated that the cards will be distributed four days before the elections (that is April 10) in the respective polling centres where people registered.

He noted, however, that the display of voters’ register for claims and objections has exposed a number of problems largely relating to locations of polling units, most of which he said, have been addressed.

As for the comprehensive register of voters, Alhaji Shehu said the commission has "virtually completed the printing of the voters register, on paper and on CD Roms which we will make available to parties and State Independent Electoral Commission (SIECS) in the first week of April.

Fielding questions with newsmen, he said INEC is still making preparations for the conduct of elections in crisis-ridden parts of Delta State, even as he said the electoral body may not be able to organise the polls in the area if the violence persists.

He ruled out the possibility of delineating further wards before the forthcoming polls, emphasising that INEC will conduct elections in the country on the basis of the present wards in the 774 local government areas duely recognised by the constitution.

He described as untrue, allegations that INEC is involved in litigation regarding the Electoral Act.

The commissioner, however, noted that INEC is paying very close attention to all legal matters affecting it in terms of the verification of candidates for elective positions.