INEC Implements Ward-Level Voter Registration Strategy in Yobe After Low Initial Figures

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Yobe State has announced a major strategic shift, moving voter registration from local government offices directly to electoral wards for 50 days.

The move aims to counter a low turnout in the recent registration phase and boost participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, disclosed the plan in Damaturu on Tuesday, pinpointing "relatively low turnout" in the initial phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) as the catalyst for change.That first phase, which ended on December 21, 2025, saw a preliminary figure of 55,070 new registrants.

Commissioner Abdullahi identified seasonal farming activities, insecurity, and difficult terrain as primary obstacles that the devolved ward-level exercise is designed to overcome.

"To ensure inclusivity and access for all eligible citizens, the Commission has approved the devolution of the registration exercise to the Registration Area (RA) ward level," Abdullahi stated.

He explained, intensive outreach campaign, leveraging INEC Voter Enrollment Devices (IVEDs), is set to begin on February 2, 2026. The final week of the exercise will revert to the Local Government Area offices for consolidation.

Abdullahi appealed to traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and the media to lead mobilisation drives in their domains. 

"We urge them to capitalise on this widened access, which will guarantee their eligibility to choose their leaders during the 2027 general election and beyond," he emphasised.

In a related concern, the Commissioner highlighted a critical backlog of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), calling it a major challenge.

He revealed that since August 2025, only about 1,100 out of 42,756 PVCs from previous registration cycles have been collected.

He urged all affected individuals to immediately visit their local INEC offices to retrieve their cards, ensuring they are fully prepared for the upcoming electoral process.