Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
In a concerted effort to bolster electoral participation, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has initiated targeted stakeholder engagements in Kebbi and Yobe States to address challenges and improve the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
In Kebbi State, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Abubakar Sarkin Pawa Dambo, convened a roundtable meeting with representatives from political parties, civil society organizations, and the media.
The forum served as a platform to gather feedback, address concerns, and incorporate suggestions aimed at streamlining the registration process. Dambo reiterated INEC’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and inclusive exercise and called for collaborative efforts to enhance voter enrollment, particularly among underrepresented groups.
Similarly, in Yobe State, stakeholders in Potiskum Local Government Area gathered to strategize on ways to boost voter registration turnout. Participants highlighted key challenges, including the need for an extension of the registration period and improved logistical support to ensure easier access to registration centers, especially in remote areas.
They also emphasized the importance of intensified public awareness campaigns through traditional and digital media to educate eligible voters on the registration process and its significance.
Addressing concerns about accessibility, REC Dambo clarified that while voter registration is a constitutional right for every Nigerian aged 18 and above, INEC role does not include transporting registrants to centers. He suggested that community leaders, local organizations, and well-meaning individuals could step in to provide voluntary support where needed.
These initiatives underscore INEC proactive approach to overcoming logistical and awarenessrelated hurdles while fostering inclusivity in the electoral process. The commission remains focused on ensuring that all eligible citizens in Kebbi, Yobe, and beyond are empowered to exercise their democratic rights.