By Babayo Danjuma
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has expressed concern over the low voter registration figures in Gombe State, describing the situation as a collective challenge that requires the support of all stakeholders.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Dr Sa’ad Idris, made the remark during a State Stakeholders’ Meeting on Phase Two of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise in Gombe.
Dr Idris stressed that although Phase One of the exercise recorded thirty-five thousand, four hundred and fifty-one new registrations, Gombe still lags behind many northern states, including those facing security challenges.
He noted that the registrations comprised forty-two percent males and fifty-eight percent females, the first time female registration has surpassed male registration in the state.
He explained that while states such as Kano, Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno and Yobe recorded higher figures, Gombe’s registration level stood at just over one percent.
The REC stressed that the low turnout should not be seen as INEC’s responsibility alone and called on political parties, civil society groups, religious and traditional leaders, the media, and security agencies to intensify efforts to mobilise eligible voters.
He added that INEC has approved the decentralisation of voter registration to Registration Areas under Phase Two of the CVR to bring the exercise closer to the people.
Dr. Idris, expressed optimism that with collective support, voter registration figures in Gombe State will significantly improve.
