Sokoto ADC Guber Candidate Seeks CVR Extension to Avert Mass Disenfranchisement

Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Nigeria's Sokoto State, has called upon the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to extend the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by two weeks. He believes this extension is crucial to avert mass disenfranchisement ahead of the 2027 general election.

“

The Permanent Voter Card remains the most effective democratic instrument through which citizens can participate in governance and determine the future of their communities.

Dan’iya emphasized that the Permanent Voter Card is the most effective democratic tool for citizens to participate in governance and shape their communities' futures. He specifically appealed to young people who have not yet registered, urging parents and guardians to encourage and accompany eligible individuals to INEC centers. The ADC candidate stressed the vital role of youth participation in the electoral process for the country's future and for ensuring government accountability.

“

The active participation of youths in the electoral process is vital to the future of the country and to ensuring that the government remains accountable to the people.

The requested extension, Dan’iya argued, would accommodate prospective voters facing challenges such as work schedules, logistical difficulties, and overwhelming turnout at registration centers. He noted that INEC's projection of adding approximately 10 million new voters might not be met, as preliminary figures show just over six million registrations so far. This gap, he contends, highlights the need for more time to ensure eligible Nigerians can complete their registration.

“

However, preliminary figures indicate that just over six million prospective voters have registered so far. He noted that the gap between the projection and the provisional figure demonstrates the need to provide more time for eligible Nigerians to complete their registration.

Despite these appeals, INEC has maintained its stance that the CVR exercise will end on July 26, 2026. The commission announced that designated registration centers nationwide would operate from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. INEC also reminded Nigerians of the option to complete registration online via its portal or visit physical offices for assistance, advising those who have relocated to transfer their registration rather than re-register. In Sokoto, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Umar Garba, previously stated that the second phase of the exercise was taken to grassroots communities to improve accessibility, with 162,299 eligible voters registered in the state during the first phase.

“

Despite the appeals, INEC has insisted that the CVR exercise will end on July 26, 2026.