The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned residents of Kebbi State against multiple registrations and underage enrolment ahead of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise scheduled to commence on August 18.
INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Alhaji Abubakar Sarkin-Pawa-Dambo, issued the warning on Wednesday while addressing journalists in Birnin Kebbi.
“INEC will not condone multiple registrations, registration by proxy, underage registration, or any other illegal practices as the commission begins the CVR on August 18,” Sarkin-Pawa-Dambo said.
He announced that online pre-registration will begin on August 18, while in-person registration at INEC offices across the state will commence on August 25.
“Nigerians who have turned 18 are now eligible to register, either online or by visiting our Local Government Area offices for physical registration,” he added.
The REC also stated that those who have lost, damaged, or misplaced their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), as well as individuals who have changed their place of residence, are eligible to update their records during the exercise.
“Those who wish to correct their names or date of birth, or whose cards are defaced, can also visit any of our Local Government offices,” he said.
According to him, the registration will take place at all INEC area offices in Kebbi State between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily, excluding weekends and public holidays.
Sarkin-Pawa-Dambo disclosed that prior to the 2023 general elections, INEC registered 2,032,041 eligible voters in Kebbi State, comprising 1,096,449 males (54%) and 935,592 females (46%).
He added that Kebbi has 225 Registration Areas (RAs) and 3,743 Polling Units, spread across three senatorial districts and nine federal constituencies.
“So far, 1,847,752 PVCs have been collected, representing 97 per cent of the registered voters. Only a negligible number of cards remain uncollected, and we urge the owners to come forward when a new collection date is announced,” he said.
Sarkin-Pawa-Dambo appealed to the public to take the registration exercise seriously and avoid any form of malpractice.
“INEC is committed to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, and we count on the cooperation of the public to uphold the integrity of the voter register,” he added.
