Reported By Mary Udezue | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Gombe State, Dr. Saad Umar Idris, has convened key stakeholders to evaluate the performance of Phase I of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and to map out strategies for Phase II, including a rotational approach to voter enrolment across the state’s 114 Registration Areas (RAs). The meeting took place on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Gombe International Hotel, with representatives from political parties, civil society organisations, traditional authorities, religious leaders, media and security agencies in attendance.
Dr. Idris disclosed that Phase I of the CVR recorded 36,638 new voter registrations, a figure that includes both in-state and out-of-state registrations attributed to Gombe residents. For the first time in the state’s electoral history, female registrants outnumbered male registrants, accounting for roughly 58 per cent of the total. This milestone, while welcomed, was juxtaposed with concern that the overall figure remains comparatively low relative to other northern states that have achieved higher registration numbers in the ongoing nationwide exercise.
Despite this progress, the REC emphasised that Gombe’s registration numbers are lagging behind its regional counterparts, citing states such as Kano, Sokoto, Borno, Zamfara and Yobe as examples of higher turnout during Phase I. His remarks underscored the need for intensified mobilisation and public engagement to deepen participation ahead of the 2027 general elections, pointing to the central role of stakeholders in broadening civic awareness and encouraging eligible residents to register.
To address accessibility challenges and extend the reach of voter registration, Dr. Idris announced that INEC has approved the devolution of voter registration services to the grassroots level. Beginning 2 February 2026, the commission will deploy INEC Voter Enrolment Devices (IVEDs) on a 50-day rotational schedule across all registration areas in the state. Under this model, each RA will host registration activities for a designated period, allowing citizens to enrol closer to their communities rather than having to travel to central offices.
The rotational deployment of IVEDs is designed to make the process more inclusive and convenient, particularly for rural and underserved populations. Dr. Idris stressed that the initiative responds directly to stakeholders’ earlier appeals for enhanced access and community-level engagement in the registration exercise, which is a statutory requirement in preparation for future elections. He also reiterated that multiple registrations remain illegal and counterproductive, not only undermining the integrity of the voter register but also slowing down the process for legitimate registrants.
In preparation for Phase II, Dr. Idris noted that he had engaged INEC staff and Electoral Officers from Gombe’s 11 Local Government Areas in earlier meetings to fine-tune operational plans. These preparatory sessions, held on 27 and 28 January, focused on logistical arrangements, mapping of registration points, and coordination with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and orderly exercise. The REC reiterated the commission’s commitment to conducting a credible, inclusive and transparent voter registration process.
Stakeholders at the meeting were urged to play active roles in elevating public awareness about the CVR exercise, leveraging their networks and influence to encourage citizens, particularly women and youth, to participate. Civil society groups and community leaders were identified as critical partners in dispelling misinformation, facilitating civic education, and promoting peaceful participation throughout the registration period.
Dr. Idris also highlighted the broader context for the CVR exercise, noting that the nationwide campaign resumed in August 2025 with online pre-registration, followed by physical registration across states. INEC’s nationwide roll-out aims to register all eligible Nigerians aged 18 and above, alongside facilitating transfers, corrections, and replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Enhancements such as devolution of services are part of efforts to overcome barriers that were evident during the first phase, including distance to centres, long queues and low turnout in some areas.
Gombe’s strategy reflects a broader push by INEC to refine its operational approach to the CVR, ensuring that eligible voters have meaningful opportunities to participate in the democratic process. The REC’s call for collaboration and stronger mobilisation underscores the importance of collective action to raise registration figures ahead of the 2027 general election cycle.
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