The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over insecurity and poor network connectivity, describing them as major challenges affecting the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Kebbi State.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Abubakar Sarkin-Fawa, disclosed this on Monday in Birnin Kebbi during a meeting with journalists and election stakeholders.
Sarkin-Fawa explained that the third phase of the CVR exercise began on Monday, May 11, and is scheduled to end on June 3, operating on a rotational basis across the state. He added that a second phase will also take place from July 6 to July 10 at all 21 INEC local government offices in Kebbi.
According to him, the exercise is being conducted across 225 registration areas (wards) to enable eligible Nigerians who have attained 18 years, as well as those yet to register, to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
He noted that the exercise also allows voters to transfer registration locations, replace lost or damaged PVCs, and correct personal data.
The REC revealed that Kebbi State ranks among the top five states with the highest number of registrants in previous CVR phases, attributing the performance to increased awareness and civic participation.
However, he warned that insecurity in some areas continues to pose serious risks to registration officers and the overall process, forcing the relocation of some centres to safer locations.
“Due to insecurity in some areas, our personnel are exposed to risks, thereby necessitating the relocation of some registration activities to safer locations,” Sarkin-Fawa said.
He appealed to community leaders and stakeholders to provide timely security information to protect both staff and registrants.
Sarkin-Fawa also expressed concern over low turnout in some rural communities, calling for stronger sensitisation campaigns to boost participation, particularly in hard-to-reach areas.
He further identified poor network connectivity in certain local government areas as another major obstacle affecting registration operations, urging stakeholders to help identify areas with better connectivity for improved service delivery.
The REC assured residents of INEC’s commitment to a transparent, inclusive, and credible registration process in line with its constitutional mandate, while urging eligible citizens to participate peacefully in the exercise.
