The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Gombe State in Northeast Nigeria, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to guarantee the success of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).
Speaking at his inaugural stakeholders’ meeting in Gombe, Dr. Idris emphasised that credible elections depend not only on the commitment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) but also on the active involvement and support of all electoral stakeholders.
Having assumed office three months ago, Dr. Idris began his tenure by embarking on courtesy visits to key partners, including members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, ICCESS.
However, with the launch of the 2025/2026 Continuous Voter Registration, he deemed it necessary to suspend further visits and convene a general stakeholders’ forum to ensure maximum coordination and awareness.
“I am here to serve the good people of Gombe State by delivering an efficient electoral process and ensuring free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections. INEC alone cannot achieve this; we need all stakeholders to join hands with us,” Dr. Idris affirmed.
He reminded participants at the stakeholders’ meeting of their vital role in disseminating timely and accurate information to their communities, particularly in rural areas, urging them to actively encourage eligible citizens to participate in the CVR process lawfully and without delay.
“In accordance with the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission has commenced online voter registration from 18th August 2025, with physical registration following on 25th August across all 11 INEC Local Government Area (LGA) offices and the State Office,” said Dr. Idris.
He said the registration was intended for Nigerian citizens aged 18 and above who have never registered; for pre-registration; for voters seeking to transfer their polling units; for those requiring updates or corrections on their PVCs, such as name, age, or title; and for the collection of previously uncollected PVCs and the reprinting of defaced or damaged cards.
Dr. Idris warned that multiple registrations were prohibited and punishable by law, advising that the stakeholders should guide citizens through the process using the official registration portal: https://www.cvr.inecnigeria.org.
He said, despite the rollout, the participation of Gombe State was worryingly low because, as of 29th August, the state recorded only 4,603 total applications, in stark contrast to states like Osun and Yobe, which have surpassed 34,000 and 30,000 applications, respectively.
“This is a wake-up call; we must do more to raise awareness. The earlier people register, the sooner they can collect their PVCs,” Dr. Idris said.
He announced that INEC would soon begin a sensitisation campaign, with jingles to be aired on radio and other media platforms, but appealed to stakeholders to “cascade this information” and ensure it reaches the grassroots.
Dr. Idris also encouraged participants to offer constructive suggestions, reaffirming that the collective efforts of all parties would ultimately determine the success of the registration exercise and the integrity of the 2027 general elections.