INEC REC Begins Stakeholder Mobilisation for PVC Registration in Taraba

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Taraba State, Dr. Sa’ad Umar Idris, has begun a broad stakeholder mobilisation campaign aimed at boosting participation in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.

As part of the initiative, the REC embarked on a two-day advocacy and courtesy visit to security agencies, paramilitary organisations, and key public institutions across the state to strengthen collaboration and sensitise stakeholders on the importance of voter registration.

The outreach also served as a platform to formally notify the institutions about the commencement of the third phase of the CVR exercise, which resumed on May 11 and is expected to continue until July 10, 2026.

During the engagements, Idris appealed to the various agencies to support INEC’s voter mobilisation efforts by using their communication channels and public platforms to encourage eligible residents to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

He said the participation of citizens in the electoral process remains vital to the growth of democracy and the credibility of future elections.

“We are seeking the cooperation and support of all stakeholders in sensitising members of the public on the need to register and obtain their PVCs so they can exercise their constitutional rights during elections,” the REC stated.

On the first day of the visits, Idris met with the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Coordinator of the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), the Comptroller of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

During the meetings, the REC highlighted the critical role played by security agencies as members of the Inter-Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), which is responsible for coordinating election security arrangements and advising on safety measures during electoral activities.

At the NOA and NYSC offices, Idris sought stronger collaboration in the areas of voter education, public enlightenment, and mobilisation of young voters ahead of the next general elections.

He noted that corps members remain a vital component of INEC’s election workforce, given their involvement as ad hoc staff during elections across the country.

“The NYSC has consistently remained one of INEC’s strongest partners because corps members constitute the bulk of the ad hoc personnel engaged during elections,” he said.

On the second day of the advocacy tour, the REC visited the State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Controller of the Federal Fire Service, the Brigade Commander of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army in Jalingo, and the Controller of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

INEC said the visits form part of ongoing efforts to deepen institutional collaboration and improve coordination among agencies involved in election planning and administration in the state.

The commission noted that the engagements reflect the REC’s commitment to strengthening the electoral process through sustained stakeholder participation and strategic partnerships ahead of the 2027 elections.

With preparations for the next general polls gradually gathering momentum nationwide, the commission expressed confidence that broader collaboration among institutions would help improve voter participation and enhance the credibility of the electoral process in Taraba State.