The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has stepped up efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s Continuous Voters Registration (CVR), targeting multiple registrations and ensuring only eligible citizens are enrolled.
INEC says it has strengthened collaboration with the Judiciary and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) to verify age, citizenship, and identity, reinforcing the integrity of the voters’ register. The Commission describes a credible CVR as the cornerstone of the nation’s electoral process.
Sokoto State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Umar Yusuf Garba, confirmed the measures on Tuesday, highlighting close coordination with courts to validate age declarations and official documents. “We want to be certain that registrants are Nigerians and have attained the constitutional voting age of 18, using verifiable records such as birth certificates, school documents, and court-issued age declarations,” he said.
Garba added that engagement with immigration authorities is particularly vital given Nigeria’s porous borders, preventing non-citizens from infiltrating the electoral roll.
The first phase of the CVR exercise showed strong nationwide participation, with Sokoto State registering over 162,000 new voters. Sokoto ranked third nationally, behind Osun and Kano states. INEC has also intensified voter education and public awareness campaigns to encourage participation while discouraging malpractice.
Looking ahead, Garba called for the creation of a special electoral offences tribunal, describing it as a key reform to deter violations, strengthen electoral processes, and boost public confidence. “INEC is learning, improving, and correcting past mistakes. With dedicated personnel and stronger institutions, we are steadily moving towards a more credible electoral system,” he said.
