Bauchi targets 100% PVC collection as agencies partner to boost turnout

Bauchi State Government has intensified efforts to achieve 100 per cent collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) by registered voters, as the Ministry of Information and Communication, the Bauchi State Independent Electoral Commission (BASIEC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) strengthen collaboration to tackle voter apathy ahead of the forthcoming general election.

The initiative was discussed at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the BASIEC headquarters in Bauchi, where participants explored strategies to address barriers to PVC collection and encourage greater participation in the electoral process.

Welcoming participants, the BASIEC Chairperson, Hajiya Jummai Salamatu Abubakar, called for a coordinated approach to ensure that eligible voters across the state collect their PVCs before the election.

Represented by the Commission’s Permanent Commissioner, Hon. Abubakar Usman Misau, the Chairperson explained that the initiative aligns with the directive of, the State Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, to intensify voter education, address voter apathy and promote active civic participation.

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She stressed the importance of inter-agency cooperation, community engagement and sustained public enlightenment in ensuring that registered voters understand the importance of collecting their cards and participating in the electoral process.

In his remarks, the Acting State Director of NOA, Mallam Adamu Umar Sarkinyara, commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his inclusive leadership and continued support for public enlightenment.

He particularly acknowledged the previous joint campaign by NOA and the Ministry of Information and Communication, which sought to address voter apathy and restore public confidence in the electoral process.

Adamu Sarkinyara said the previous campaign recorded significant progress with the support of the Bauchi State Government through the Ministry of Information and Communication.

He reaffirmed NOA’s commitment to the current initiative, disclosing that the agency would deploy 20 Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers, 323 Ward Development Committees and 3,230 community volunteers to reach communities across the state.

The campaign is scheduled to run from 22 October to 20 November 2026, subject to the applicable electoral timetable.

The Ministry of Information and Communication will lead publicity efforts through media organisations, public announcements and targeted voter education, while partner agencies will coordinate community engagement and monitor progress.

To support effective implementation, stakeholders agreed to establish designated situation rooms at the NOA secretariat and BASIEC headquarters.

These centres will track progress, identify challenges and facilitate timely coordination among the participating agencies.

Adamu Sarkinyara urged the state government, INEC, BASIEC, the media and other stakeholders to sustain their support for the initiative, stressing that PVC collection is free and must be undertaken personally by the registered voter.

He also emphasised that collection by proxy is not permitted urging all those who registered during the continuous registration to come out to collect their cards to be able to vote for their preferred candidates in the 2027 general elections.