The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has intensified grassroots sensitization on ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Kwara to encourage more eligible residents to register ahead of future elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Mr Yusha’u Garki, disclosed this on Tuesday during voter sensitization campaign in Ilorin.
Garki, who was represented by the INEC Secretary in Kwara, Mr Abdulaziz Ibrahim, said the commission had commenced the 3rd phase of voter mobilization to boost participation in the ongoing CVR.
He said INEC had continued to place high premium on voter mobilization and education, hence the adoption of multi-phase approach to sensitize eligible voters.
He added that “we have already conducted the first and second phases of the mobilization exercise and today, we are commencing the third phase.
“In INEC, our approach to voter education is multi-track. We engage the public through traditional media platforms, including radio jingles, interviews and discussion programmes.
“We also utilize alternative channels such as road shows, town criers and social media platforms to ensure our messages reach all segments of the population.”
According to him, the commission’s experience has shown that voter registration figures usually increase whenever intensive sensitization campaigns are carried out.
He, therefore, urged political parties, Non-Governmental Organizations and other stakeholders to complement INEC’s efforts by organizing similar voter education campaigns.
“Whenever we embark on exercises like this, we notice an upsurge in voter registration. We encourage other stakeholders to emulate this initiative and intensify voter education through similar outreach programmes,” he added.
In his remarks, Dr Adejumo Peter, the Head of Voter Education and Publicity, INEC Kwara Office, said the exercise was aimed at creating awareness among residents about the ongoing voter registration and the importance of obtaining a Permanent Voter Card (PVC).
According to him, the commission commenced online registration on Aug. 18, 2025, while physical registration started on Aug. 25, 2025.
He explained that the first phase of the exercise ended in December 2025, followed by a seven-day display of the preliminary register of voters for claims and objections to enable the public identify and correct errors, as well as report ineligible entries.
He said “after reviewing the first phase, the commission resumed the second phase on Jan. 5, 2026, and continued until April 17, 2026.
“During the second phase, registration machines were rotated across wards to bring the exercise closer to the people and improve participation.”
Peter added that the third and final phase of the registration commenced on May 10 and would end on July 11.
He said the commission had embarked on extensive sensitization campaigns across the state but noted that more awareness was still required.
“We are visiting major markets, residential areas and workplaces to distribute flyers and educate residents on how and why they should register.
“Registration is the foundation of a credible election, and we want every eligible resident to take advantage of this opportunity,” he said.
He said further that the commission’s team would visit Oja-Tuntun and Mandate Market during the current sensitization, having earlier covered Ago Market, Oja-Oba, motor parks and the Post Office area in Ilorin.
He stressed that the decision to decentralize registration centres and move equipment closer to communities led to improved participation.
“Although we have recorded some improvement, many eligible residents are yet to register.
“We are already witnessing an increase in the number of people coming to our offices, but we do not want them to wait until the final days of the exercise because registration is time-bound,” he said.
Peter, therefore, urged residents to register early to avoid last-minute rush and possible delays.
He added that INEC was complementing the market outreach with radio and television programmes, including phone-in sessions to further educate the public on voter registration and participation in the electoral process. (NAN)
