The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has partnered with the Nasarawa State Traditional Council to boost the success of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
Dr Shehu Wahab, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC stated this at a meeting with traditional rulers on Tuesday in Lafia.
He noted that the collaboration was to use the influence of the institution to encourage eligible citizens to take advantage of the exercise and register for their voter cards.
The REC said that the commission was collaborating with stakeholders, including the traditional rulers, because, as custodians of culture, they would play a vital role in mobilising their subjects to participate in the CVR exercise.
“Your influence and guardians are essential in promoting awareness about the registration and ensuring that every eligible voter is registered.
“As a commission, we are leveraging technology to make the process more efficient and secure for everybody, including persons living with disabilities,” he added.
The REC said that the online pre-registration had commenced on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, while the in-person registration would start on Aug. 25..
He added that from Aug. 18, their personnel would be at the designated centres from Mondays to Fridays, excluding public holidays from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
“For now, two machines were deployed for registration at our Headquarters in Lafia and their offices in the 13 Local Government Areas of the state, but as the process progresses, we will deploy more machines,” Wahab said.
The Resident Commissioner further explained that the registration is free and any staff caught extorting money from the public under whatever guise would be sanctioned in line with the law.
He urged their staff involved in the exercise to avoid any unlawful practices that would tarnish the image of the commission.
He therefore, called on members of the public to report any staff demanding money for fuel or logistics to the commission for action, because they had made all the necessary provisions.
On his part, Justice (Retired) Sidi Bage, Emir of Lafia and Chairman, Nasarawa State Traditional Council, appreciated the resident commissioner and his team for recognising them for the engagement.
He explained that the traditional rulers would collaborate and support the commission to ensure the success of the exercise.
The royal fathers, however, raised concerns that the two machines provided to every LGA were inadequate and appealed that the exercise be carried out in every electoral ward in the state. (NAN).