INEC Decries Low Voter Registration in Niger State, Tasks Clerics for Support

By YM Bina

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has enlisted the support of religious leaders to increase voter registration and participation ahead of the forthcoming general elections, citing the state’s low voter registration figures despite its large population in Niger state.

The newly appointed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Niger State, Dr. Oliver Tersoo Agundu, made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Director-General of the Niger State Bureau of Religious Affairs, Imam (Dr.) Umar Farooq Abdullahi in Minna, Niger state capital.

Dr. Agundu said collaboration with religious leaders was critical to mobilising eligible citizens to participate in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and the electoral process.

He expressed concern that Niger State continues to record poor voter registration turnout compared to its population size, revealing that the state’s registration figures are only about half of those recorded in neighbouring Kogi State.

According to him, the creation of additional polling units is largely determined by population and voter registration data, making it necessary for residents to take voter registration seriously.

The REC disclosed that INEC had concluded major preparations for the CVR exercise, with officials already deployed to all 25 local government areas of the state. He added that arrangements had also been made to ensure that Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) are not excluded from the electoral process.

He further informed stakeholders that the commission remains available to assist citizens seeking to replace lost Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), transfer their voter registration, or change their polling units.

Beyond voter registration, Dr. Agundu urged residents of the state to promote peace, unity and harmony before, during and after the elections to ensure a credible and peaceful democratic process.

Responding, Imam Umar Farooq Abdullahi described the visit as timely and significant, noting that it would strengthen cooperation between the Bureau of Religious Affairs and INEC.

The Director-General assured the electoral commission of the support of both Islamic and Christian leaders in sensitising members of the public on the importance of obtaining PVCs and participating in elections.

Following deliberations at the meeting, religious leaders pledged to intensify advocacy and public enlightenment campaigns across the state to encourage greater participation in voter registration.

They, however, appealed to INEC to establish more registration centres in strategic locations to reduce the challenges of distance, transportation costs and long waiting times faced by prospective registrants.

In his closing remarks, the REC thanked the religious leaders for their suggestions and assured them that INEC would carefully consider the recommendations as part of efforts to improve the registration process and expand voter participation in Niger State.