Daniel Otera
An unusual pattern in Nasarawa State has raised concern among political leaders and stakeholders as the 2027 general elections draw closer.
At the official launch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) grassroots sensitisation and voter education campaign in Lafia on Wednesday, Deputy Governor Emmanuel Akabe warned that the state risked being left behind if urgent action was not taken.
“If you look at the charts that were published, Nasarawa State is still down below among states in the country in the ongoing INEC’s Continuous Voter Registration process,” Akabe said, urging party members to step up mobilisation, especially in rural communities.
Recent figures from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) reveal that Nasarawa remains one of the weakest performers in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. The low numbers, despite population growth, have prompted fears of possible political disenfranchisement for thousands of eligible voters in the state.
The APC leadership in Nasarawa has called on local government officials and political appointees to lead by example, spreading awareness and ensuring that more residents obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
At the same event, party chairman Aliyu Bello disclosed that the APC had resolved to back any governorship aspirant endorsed by Governor Abdullahi Sule. “As party loyalists, we are ready to accept any chosen governorship aspirant by His Excellency, Governor Abdullahi Sule,” Bello declared, stressing unity within the party.
But beyond party politics, the shadow hanging over Nasarawa is the question of electoral participation. Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Danladi Jatau, lamented the situation, warning that despite rapid population growth, the state’s voter registration figures remain “very low.”
“Our population has skyrocketed, but our registered voters remain very low. I urge the residents to go and register so that they can obtain their PVCs,” Jatau said.
As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 polls, stakeholders agree that unless Nasarawa reverses the trend, its voice at the ballot box may be significantly weakened.