The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Sokoto State has cautioned eligible Nigerians against engaging in multiple voter registrations.
The commission warned that the act contravenes the Electoral Act and carries legal consequences.
The state Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Umar Garba, issued the warning on Thursday, during his maiden press interaction with journalists at the commission’s headquarters in Sokoto.
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Garba explained that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which commenced with online pre-registration on August 18, is designed for new voters.
It also covers Nigerians who have relocated and require transfers, as well as individuals replacing lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
He further disclosed that physical registration would begin on August 25 across the state headquarters, all 23 local government areas, and designated centres.
“To be registered, applicants must present a valid means of identification such as a national identity card, passport, driver’s license, or birth certificate,” Garba stated.
Highlighting measures to tackle electoral malpractice, the REC said INEC would deploy advanced technology to detect fraudulent registrations.
“We will use the Voter Enrollment Device and the Automatic Biometric Identification System to identify and eliminate cases of multiple registrations,” he said.
“Let me be clear: anyone found guilty of violating the law will face prosecution.”
Garba stressed that the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process depends on strict adherence to rules, urging citizens to cooperate with INEC to ensure credible elections.
“The right to vote begins with proper registration.
Nigerians must understand that multiple registrations will not only be cancelled but also expose them to legal sanctions,” he added.
The Sokoto REC assured residents that INEC remained committed to transparency and fairness in handling the CVR exercise across the state.
