The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has registered 313,115 voters in Zamfara State as of August 2026 through its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Mahmuda Isah, revealed this on Wednesday in Gusau during a stakeholders’ meeting focused on election preparations and the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Isah explained that the newly registered voters represented approximately 16.04 per cent of the 1,952,060 registered voters recorded in the state during the 2023 general elections.
He noted that the figures underscored the importance of continuous voter mobilisation, public awareness campaigns and measures to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the voter register.
The REC added that the commission would verify and validate registration records in line with the law and approved procedures.
He disclosed that the ward-level PVC collection exercise ended on October 15, although registered voters could still collect their cards at INEC offices across the state’s 14 local government areas.
Isah appealed to voters who were yet to collect their PVCs to visit their respective INEC local government offices and obtain their cards in person.
He also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, political parties, community leaders, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, as well as the media, to strengthen public enlightenment efforts, 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 stated that Zamfara State comprises 14 local government areas, 147 registration areas, 3,529 polling units, three senatorial districts, seven federal constituencies and 24 State Assembly constituencies.
According to him, preparations for the 2027 elections would involve voter register management, PVC collection, assessment of polling units and electoral facilities, deployment of personnel and materials, staff training, voter education, security risk assessments and engagement with stakeholders.
Isah acknowledged the security challenges affecting some communities in the state, assuring that INEC would collaborate with security agencies and other stakeholders to identify potential electoral risks and develop appropriate responses.
He emphasised that protecting voters, electoral officials, election materials and facilities remained a major priority in the commission’s preparations.
The REC called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and in compliance with the Constitution, the Electoral Act 2026 and INEC guidelines.
He cautioned against intimidation, violence, hate speech and other actions that could disrupt public peace or compromise the credibility of the electoral process.
Isah further urged security agencies to maintain professionalism, neutrality and effective coordination. He also called on civil society organisations and the media to promote responsible reporting, fact-checking and the dissemination of accurate electoral information.
He warned against misinformation, disinformation and manipulated digital content, advising stakeholders to confirm election-related information through INEC’s official communication channels before sharing it.
According to the REC, INEC’s electoral timetable schedules the presidential and National Assembly elections for January 16, 2027, while the governorship and State House of Assembly elections are slated for February 6, 2027.
He encouraged political parties and other stakeholders to familiarise themselves with the timetable, meet relevant deadlines and promote peaceful participation in the elections.
Isah maintained that the successful conduct of the polls depended on the collective efforts of all stakeholders, stressing that accurate voter registration, informed citizens, responsible political behaviour and respect for the law were crucial to safeguarding the integrity of the ballot.
He expressed appreciation to stakeholders for their support during the voter registration exercise and other electoral activities across the state.
