INEC Engages Yobe Stakeholders Ahead of August 18th Voter Registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) convened a crucial stakeholders'meeting in Damaturu on Thursday,to prepare for the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise scheduled to commence in Yobe State on Monday,August 18, 2025.

Presiding over the meeting,the Yobe State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi, emphasized the CVR's critical role in the electoral process.

"Election management starts with process;it doesn't happen overnight.Today's event is part of the foundational processes leading to elections,aligned with our established schedule,"Abdullahi said.

REC Abdullahi outlined the primary objectives of the new registration drive includes;registering New Voters to Enabling eligible citizens previously unregistered to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs),Updating Voter Information to allow existing registrants to correct personal details or change their designated polling units and accommodating Relocation to ensure individuals who have moved residence within Yobe State under new administrative guidelines can transfer their registration and maintain their voting rights.

"The purpose of these new rules,is to enhance inclusivity and address critical constitutional requirements as we establish the new legislature."He cited a lack of public trust hindering participation in the past as a key driver for the rule changes, stressing that accurate lists empower citizens to identify eligible voters and ineligible registrations.

"All Nigerians who are 18 years of age and have never been registered as voter.All registered voter who has had any issue during accreditation at previous election.All registered voters who wish to transfer their voting locations from the present one to another.All registered voters who have lost their PVCs or whose PVCs have been defaced or damaged.All registered voters who wish to correct their information such as names, date of birth among others, are to participate in the exercise".

The REC urged stakeholders to reflect critically on the previous CVR exercise held from July 20th to 31st, 2021. He identified significant challenges encountered then, which the current exercise aims to overcome;Inadequate mobilization and voter sensitization,issues with registration methodology,difficulties cleaning the voter register, particularly removing deceased persons due to inconsistent data sources.

Abdullahi stressed the importance of strict verification procedures,noting that records,"cannot be arbitrarily removed" by social services without due process.

He called on all stakeholders present including political parties,civil society, traditional leaders, and security agencies  to collaborate closely to ensure the success of the CVR.