Writing by NASIR MALALI; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC has taken voter registration closer to the grassroots in Sokoto State with the commencement of the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration CVR exercise, aimed at easing access for eligible voters across the state.
Speaking on the exercise, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Sokoto, Umar Yusuf Garba, said the exercise, which began on January 5, 2026, will run until April 17, 2026, and is designed to reduce the stress of long-distance travel for residents, particularly those in rural communities, by making registration more accessible at the local level.
He noted that the renewed push follows the successful completion of the first phase of the CVR, which ran from August 18 to December 10, 2025, and placed Sokoto as the third best-performing state nationwide.
According to him, a total of one hundred and sixty two thousand, two hundred and ninety nine eligible voters were successfully registered during the first phase, a development he described as a clear indication of growing civic awareness in the state.
The Resident Commissioner explained that the ongoing phase will cater for Nigerians who have attained the age of 18, replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), correction of errors in voter information, and transfer of voter registration within or outside the state.
He noted that the registration is simultaneously taking place at all 23 INEC Local Government Area offices, the state office, and other approved registration centres across Sokoto State.
The Resident Commissioner reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to delivering a free, fair and credible voter registration process that strengthens democracy from the grassroots.
