The Kebbi State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has commenced the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise with a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at intensifying voter sensitisation across the state.
Speaking at the meeting, the Kebbi State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Alhaji Abubakar S. Pawa Dambo, said the exercise is designed to give all eligible Nigerians aged 18 and above the opportunity to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“As the 2027 polls draw nearer, INEC wants to ensure that every Nigerian of voting age registers with the commission to enable them exercise their civic responsibility,” Dambo said.
He explained that from the first phase to the ongoing second phase, the commission has intensified public enlightenment campaigns through radio, television, newspapers, and other communication platforms to reach residents of Kebbi State and Nigerians at large.
During the interactive session, stakeholders raised concerns over persistent electoral malpractices such as vote-buying, proxy voting, and allegations that politicians induce uninformed citizens with money to collect their PVCs.
Responding, the commission clarified that INEC does not have the constitutional power to arrest or prosecute individuals involved in vote-buying.
“The responsibility of arresting and prosecuting vote buyers and sellers rests solely with security agencies,” the commission stated.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), civil society organisations (CSOs), women groups, traditional and religious leaders, political parties, and security agencies.
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