INEC begins second phase of voter registration in Kebbi

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in Kebbi State has commenced the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise, with a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at boosting public sensitisation and participation.

The meeting, held on Tuesday in Birnin Kebbi, brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for ensuring that all eligible voters obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at the event, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in the state, Alhaji Abubakar S. Pawa Dambo, said the ongoing CVR phase was designed to give Nigerians aged 18 and above the opportunity to register and exercise their right to vote.

“As the 2027 general elections draw closer, INEC is determined to ensure that every eligible Nigerian is captured in the voter register,” Dambo said.

He noted that the commission had intensified public enlightenment campaigns across radio, television, print media and other communication platforms to encourage residents to participate in the exercise.

Dambo also addressed concerns raised by stakeholders over vote-buying, proxy voting and allegations that politicians collect PVCs from voters in exchange for money.

According to him, INEC lacks the constitutional powers to arrest or prosecute offenders involved in vote-buying, stressing that such responsibilities rest with security agencies.

“INEC’s role is to conduct elections. The arrest and prosecution of vote buyers and sellers fall under the mandate of security agencies,” he said.

Representatives of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), civil society organisations, women groups, traditional and religious leaders, political parties, and security agencies attended the meeting