The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the conclusion date for the initial stage of its in-person voter registration drive across Yobe State.
Registration Deadline and Next Steps
The physical continuous voter registration exercise in all 17 local government areas of Yobe will officially end on Wednesday, December 10. This announcement was made by the state's Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ibrahim Abdullahi, in a statement released from Damaturu.
Following the closure of this phase, the electoral body will move to the next critical step. The preliminary register of voters will be displayed for public scrutiny to allow for claims and objections.
Window for Claims and Objections
This display period is scheduled to last for seven days, commencing on Monday, December 15, and running through Sunday, December 21. Ibrahim Abdullahi emphasized that this window is crucial for registrants to verify and correct any errors in their biodata.
Common mistakes that can be rectified include incorrect names, wrong ward information, and errors linked to the National Identification Number (NIN). December 21 has been specifically set aside by the Commission to address and resolve any complaints that arise during this claims and objections process.
Second Phase and Legal Mandate
For those who may miss the December 10 deadline, the REC confirmed that the second phase of the continuous in-person voter registration will begin on Monday, January 5, 2026. He provided a recap of the exercise's timeline, noting that it began with online registration on August 18, followed by the physical registration one week later on August 25.
Abdullahi reiterated the fundamental importance of voter registration and maintaining an accurate register for the integrity of the electoral system. He stated that these are primary functions of INEC, a duty mandated by law.
"Section 10 of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended) mandates the Commission to conduct the registration of voters on a continuous basis," the REC reminded the public, underscoring the legal foundation for the ongoing exercise.
