INEC registers 41,973 new voters in Bauchi as phase II CVR begins

By Ahmad Saka

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has recorded a total of 41,973 newly registered voters at the conclusion of Phase I of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Bauchi State.

The Bauchi State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Umar Ibrahim, disclosed this on Thursday during a stakeholders’ meeting on the exercise. He said the figure comprises 22,188 males and 19,785 females, and commended stakeholders for their cooperation throughout the period.

According to Ibrahim, INEC recorded significant progress in voter registration, voter record management, and the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) across the state.

He noted that a review of operational reports and stakeholder feedback revealed several challenges during Phase I, including long distances to registration centres, overcrowding, security concerns, and difficult terrain in some local government areas.

To address these challenges, the REC said INEC has approved the rotation of Voter Enrolment Devices (VEDs) among Registration Areas within each local government for 50 days, from February 2 to April 10, 2026, with the final week scheduled to take place at respective LGA offices.

He explained that the rotation schedules were designed based on the number of polling units, voter population, terrain, and anticipated turnout to improve access, efficiency, and inclusiveness.

On PVC collection, Ibrahim said INEC still has a large number of uncollected cards.

“Out of 37,658 uncollected PVCs from previous exercises, 1,888 were collected during Phase I, leaving a balance of 35,770,” he said.

He added that the exercise recorded 5,298 voter record updates, 3,350 reviews, 5,847 transfers, and 1,336 replacements of defaced PVCs, while 101 Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) were also registered.

The REC informed stakeholders that Phase II of the CVR commenced nationwide on January 5, 2026, and is expected to run until April 17, 2026.

Ibrahim also commended the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) for identifying a non-citizen who was erroneously registered during Phase I, warning non-citizens to desist from participating in the ongoing exercise.

“In particular, the Commission notes the role played by members of ICCES in identifying a non-citizen who was erroneously registered. The Commission has commenced the necessary statutory processes to rectify the anomaly in accordance with the law,” he said.

As Phase II progresses, the REC urged stakeholders to intensify voter sensitisation, mobilisation, and public enlightenment to ensure that all eligible citizens register and collect their PVCs.

He stressed that voter registration remains the bedrock of the electoral process, hence the need for the stakeholders’ meeting to mark the resumption of Phase II in Bauchi State.

In his remarks, the representative of the Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in Bauchi State, Danladi Abdulkadir, reiterated that no non-citizen is allowed, under any circumstance, to vote or be voted for in Nigeria.

He urged Nigerians to report any suspected non-citizens residing in any part of the country to the appropriate authorities for necessary action.