The Emir of Lafia and Chairman of the Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs, Justice Sidi Bage I (rtd), has called on Nigerians to actively participate in the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration exercise to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The royal father made the appeal during a visit by the Nasarawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Shehu Wahab, to his palace in Lafia as part of INEC’s stakeholder engagement ahead of the CVR commencement on Monday.
Describing voter registration as a civic duty, the Emir emphasized its significance in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future. “This is a great opportunity for eligible citizens to exercise their voting rights and contribute to the democratic process,” he stated. He commended INEC for early preparations and pledged the support of traditional institutions in mobilizing citizens for the exercise.
During a separate stakeholders’ meeting in Lafia, REC Dr. Wahab cautioned political aspirants and parties against premature campaign activities, noting that visible campaign materials in some areas violated electoral guidelines.
“It’s important that all political activities remain within legal limits. Early campaigning may cause tension and should be avoided,” he warned.
Dr. Wahab also revealed that over 55,000 PVCs remain uncollected in Nasarawa State and urged residents to retrieve them, stressing that double registration would not be permitted. He further hinted at INEC’s consideration of early voting arrangements for essential service providers in future elections.
Stakeholders, including political parties, civil society groups, and security agencies, advocated for decentralized registration centers to enhance accessibility, particularly in densely populated areas like Karu LGA. The REC assured them that INEC had made provisions to address such concerns while reiterating that voter registration remains exclusively the commission’s mandate, warning against unauthorized interference.
The CVR exercise is set to begin on Monday, August 18, with in-person registration commencing August 25, 2025, across designated INEC centers in Nasarawa State.