INEC records 313,115 new voters in Zamfara

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said 313,115 people registered as voters in Zamfara State as of August 2026 under the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The figure represents approximately 16.04 percent of the 1,952,060 registered voters recorded in the state during the 2023 general elections, according to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mahmuda Isah.

Isah disclosed this on Wednesday in Gusau during a stakeholders’ meeting on preparations for the 2027 elections and the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

He said the figures underscored the need for sustained voter mobilization, public enlightenment, and continuous efforts to maintain an accurate and credible register of voters.

The REC added that the registration records would undergo necessary verification and validation in line with the law and approved procedures.

He stated that while the ward-level PVC collection exercise ended on October 15, collection would continue at INEC offices across the state’s 14 local government areas.

Isah urged registered voters who had yet to collect their PVCs to visit their respective INEC local government offices to obtain their cards personally.

He appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, political parties, community leaders, civil society organizations, youth and women groups, and the media to intensify public enlightenment—particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities.

“PVC collection is free of charge, 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 said.

The REC noted that Zamfara comprises 14 local government areas, 147 registration areas, 3,529 polling units, three senatorial districts, seven federal constituencies, and 24 state assembly constituencies.

He said preparations for the 2027 elections would encompass voter register management, PVC collection, polling unit assessment, deployment of personnel and materials, staff training, voter education, security risk assessment, and coordination with relevant stakeholders.

Acknowledging the security challenges facing some communities in the state, Isah said the commission would continue working with security agencies and other stakeholders to identify electoral risks and develop appropriate mitigation measures.

He stressed that the safety of voters, electoral personnel, election materials, and facilities remains a primary consideration in the commission’s preparations.

The REC also urged political parties, candidates, and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and in accordance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026, and INEC guidelines.

He warned against intimidation, violence, hate speech, and other conduct capable of undermining public peace and electoral credibility.

Isah called on security agencies to maintain professionalism, neutrality, and effective coordination, while encouraging civil society organizations and the media to promote responsible reporting, fact-checking, and accurate electoral information.

He further cautioned stakeholders against spreading misinformation, disinformation, and manipulated digital content, urging them to verify election-related information through INEC’s official communication channels before sharing it.

According to the REC, the commission’s approved timetable schedules the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State House of Assembly elections are scheduled for February 6, 2027.

He urged political parties and other stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the electoral timetable, comply with relevant deadlines, and support peaceful participation in the elections.

Isah noted that credible elections require collective responsibility, adding that accurate voter registration, informed citizens, responsible political conduct, and respect for the law are essential to protecting the integrity of the ballot.

He expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their support during the voter registration exercise and the display of the voter register for claims and objections.