Rakiya A. Muhammad
The Independent National Electoral Commission in Sokoto has held a roadshow rally to spark public interest and boost awareness about the ongoing voter registration exercise across the state.
The lively procession set out from the INEC Sokoto State Secretariat on Tangaza Road, weaving its way through key locations in the state capital such as Kasuwan Kanawa, Tshohur Kasuwa, Kara, Katako (Kofar Gawo), Kasuwar Dan Kure, Phone Village, Hajiya Halima Estate, before returning to the office.
Speaking at the event, Administrative Secretary Alhaji Aliyu Bello described the rally as a call to action.
“The purpose is simple but vital: to take the message directly to the people, to remind every eligible citizen that participation in the electoral process begins with registration and to encourage those who have not yet registered to do so without delay,” he highlighted.
“Every new voter registered represents a stronger democracy, a louder voice for the people, and a future shaped by their choices.”
He called on the media to keep the momentum alive by spreading the message far and wide to the public.
“Your role as media professionals is crucial in amplifying this message. Through your platforms, you help us reach homes, communities, and individuals who may not be physically here today,” he stated
“With your support, we can dispel misinformation, mobilise citizens and promote inclusivity in our democracy.”
Abdullahi Sale Dama, Head of the Voter Education Department, emphasized that the exercise was especially aimed at the teeming youth who have just turned 18 and have yet to register, as well as those who have lost or damaged their voter cards or need to correct details such as their name or date of birth.
He added that the exercise also benefits those who have recently moved to Sokoto, allowing them to easily transfer their registration to any local government area where they now reside.
Uncollected PVC
The Voter Education Head also noted that a large number of uncollected Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) for those who registered during the 2022 Continuous Voters Registration Exercise.
“If you know that you didn’t collect your card, you can go and do so in our offices in the 23 local government areas in Sokoto; claim your cards, that is the essence of the mobilisation that we are doing,” he added.
He went on to outline additional strategies being used to ensure the message reaches every corner of the community.
“The rally is part of the plans for engaging with the people. We are considering conducting market outreach. Apart from that, we have information materials, we have fliers that we are going to distribute to the people, and interaction with the media to help us publicise the activities we are doing,” he said.
“Previously, we held stakeholders’ meetings with various political parties, and then CSOs in the state to help us create awareness among the public.”
