From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe
However, the INEC in Gombe State has expressed concern over the low turnout in the ongoing CVR, revealing that only 4,603 applications have been recorded so far.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Saad Umar Idris, disclosed this yesterday during his maiden stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe.
He warned that the state is lagging behind other states such as Osun and Yobe, which have each recorded over 30,000 applications.
Idris said the breakdown of applications in Gombe includes 543 pre-registrations, 1,278 reviews, 920 transfers or updates, and 1,519 physical registrations.
“This clearly shows that more needs to be done in terms of awareness. We cannot achieve success in isolation as a Commission. Stakeholders must cascade this information to their followers, particularly those in rural areas,” the REC said.
He explained that the CVR, which commenced online on August 18 and in-person on August 25, is targeted at Nigerians aged 18 and above who have never registered, those seeking transfers of polling units, individuals correcting their personal details, and voters requesting reprints of defaced or lost Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The REC cautioned against multiple registrations, describing it as an electoral offense punishable by law, and assured that all 11 INEC local government offices in Gombe, as well as the state headquarters, remain open for the exercise.
He further encouraged eligible voters to use the commission’s online platform, describing the process as seamless and self-explanatory.
To boost participation, Idris announced that INEC would soon roll out sensitisation campaigns through roadshows, jingles, and media platforms.
“As REC, I am here to serve the people of Gombe by ensuring free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections. The earlier people register, the earlier their PVCs will be ready for collection,” he added.