From Marcus Nkire
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the second phase of its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Kebbi State, with a stakeholders’ meeting held to mobilise support and boost voter participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the sensitisation meeting, the Kebbi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar S. Pawa Dambo, said the ongoing phase is aimed at ensuring that all eligible Nigerians aged 18 and above are registered and able to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Dambo explained that the commission is intensifying public enlightenment efforts to increase awareness of the exercise, noting that INEC has expanded its outreach through radio, television, print media, and other communication platforms across the state.
“As preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum, our priority is to ensure that every Nigerian of voting age is captured in the voters’ register,” he said.
During the meeting, stakeholders raised concerns over persistent electoral challenges, including vote-buying, proxy voting, and allegations that some politicians induce citizens to surrender their PVCs in exchange for money.
In response, INEC clarified that it does not have the statutory authority to arrest or prosecute individuals involved in vote-buying. The commission stressed that enforcement and prosecution of such offences fall under the mandate of security agencies.
The meeting was attended by representatives of political parties, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), civil society organisations, women’s groups, traditional and religious leaders, as well as security agencies.
INEC urged stakeholders to intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure widespread participation in the voter registration exercise.
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