The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says its registered voters have risen to 2,265,175 in Zamfara as of August 2026.
The figure represents an increase of 313,115 voters, or 16.04 per cent, compared to the 1,952,060 registered voters recorded during the 2023 general elections in the state.
The Zamfara INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr Mahmuda Isah, disclosed this during the election stakeholders’ meeting on the 2027 general elections and PVC collection on Wednesday in Gusau, Zamfara.
“I would like to highlight some important electoral statistics that demonstrate both the scale of our responsibilities and the significance of public participation in the electoral process,” Isah said.
“The Continuous Voter Registration exercise recorded 313,115 registrations as of August 2026, representing approximately 16.04 per cent of the 2023 registered-voter figure,” he said.
He noted that the figures underscore the importance of sustained voter mobilisation, effective public enlightenment and the need to maintain an accurate, credible and inclusive Register of Voters.
“Registration records will continue to undergo the necessary verification and validation processes in accordance with the law and approved procedures,” Isah said.
According to him, Zamfara comprises 14 Local Government Areas, 147 Registration Areas (Electoral Wards), 3,529 Polling Units, three Senatorial Districts, seven Federal Constituencies and 24 State Assembly Constituencies.
“With an average of approximately 553 registered voters per Polling Unit, based on the 2023 figure, these statistics demonstrate the considerable logistical, administrative and security responsibilities involved in conducting elections across the state,” he said.
Isah said successful conduct of the 2027 general elections would require meticulous planning, efficient resource deployment, effective security coordination, continuous voter education and active cooperation of all stakeholders.
He emphasised that the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) remained an essential requirement for voter accreditation and participation in elections.
“The commission, therefore, attaches considerable importance to ensuring that all eligible registered voters have adequate opportunities to collect their PVCs.
“Following the conclusion of the ward-level collection exercise, PVC collection will continue at INEC offices in the 14 Local Government Areas of Zamfara, in accordance with the commission’s approved arrangements.
“I appeal to all registered voters who are yet to collect their PVCs to visit their respective INEC local government offices and collect their cards personally,” he said.
The commissioner appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, political parties, community leaders, civil society organisations, youth and women groups and the media to intensify public enlightenment on PVC collection.
“PVC collection is free, and voters must collect their cards personally. No individual or group should demand payment, collect PVCs by proxy or engage in any practice capable of undermining the integrity of the process,” he warned.
Speaking on the 2027 general elections, Isah said INEC was fully conscious of the enormous responsibilities entrusted to it by the Constitution and the Electoral Act, 2026.
“INEC Zamfara remains resolutely committed to carrying out its constitutional mandate with independence, impartiality, professionalism, transparency and integrity,” he assured.
He said the commission recognised the peculiar security challenges confronting some communities in Zamfara and would continue to work with security agencies to identify electoral risks and develop mitigation measures.
“The safety of voters, electoral personnel, election materials and electoral facilities remains a critical consideration in our planning and implementation strategies,” Isah said.
He appealed to political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines.
“Political competition should be based on ideas, policies and programmes rather than intimidation, violence, hate speech or actions capable of threatening public peace,” he said.
Isah also urged security agencies to sustain professionalism and neutrality, while calling on civil society and the media to promote responsible reporting and fact-checking.
“The threats posed by misinformation, disinformation, manipulated digital content and inflammatory messages must not be underestimated,” he said.
The REC urged all stakeholders to verify election-related information through the commission’s official communication channels.
“In accordance with the Commission’s Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2027 general elections, the scheduled dates are Saturday, 16th January 2027 for Presidential and National Assembly elections, and Saturday, 6th February 2027 for Governorship and State House of Assembly elections,” Isah announced.