The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Sokoto State has appealed to traditional, religious, and opinion leaders to intensify efforts in sensitizing their communities on the importance of participating in the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise.
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Umar Yusuf Garba, made the call while addressing newsmen in Sokoto, stressing that the exercise is crucial in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system.
He urged all eligible citizens to take part in the registration, noting that active voter participation remains the foundation of credible elections and good governance.
Garba explained that the exercise, which commenced on August 18, 2025, is designed to expand voter access and streamline registration processes nationwide.
According to him, eligible persons include new voters who have attained the age of 18 or above and have never registered, as well as citizens who wish to transfer their voting rights to another polling unit, ward, or registration area.
The commissioner further disclosed that Nigerians who lost or damaged their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are also eligible to participate in the exercise and obtain replacements.
He revealed that online registration has already begun, while manual registration is scheduled to commence in September 2025 at all local government offices and the INEC state headquarters. The CVR exercise will run until August 30, 2026, providing sufficient time for citizens to register.
While assuring that the process will be inclusive, transparent, and accessible to all, Garba cautioned against multiple registrations, which remain prohibited under electoral laws.
Nasir Malali
