Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Yobe State, has reaffirmed that the minimum age for voter registration is 18 years, in line with the Electoral Act.
Addressing the Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Suleiman, during a visit to his palace in Gashua, Abdullahi clarified that individuals aged 16 or 17 are not eligible to register, even if they will turn 18 by the 2027 general elections. “Only eligible citizens of 18 years and above are allowed to register and vote,” he stated.
The REC emphasised the importance of voter registration as a cornerstone of credible elections. He highlighted the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise which began online on August 18, 2025, with physical registration scheduled to commence on August 25 across INEC centres in all 17 local government areas and the state headquarters in Damaturu.
Abdullahi outlined the targeted beneficiaries as residents who have yet to register, those who have turned 18, voters needing to replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and those seeking to change polling units.
Emir Suleiman pledged to mobilise his domain in support of the CVR exercise, vowing to sensitize traditional councils and community heads to encourage participation.
In a parallel engagement, Abdullahi visited Wetland FM 90.5 in Gashua, urging thorough media coverage of the CVR and encouraging citizens to verify voter lists and engage in claims and objections.
The station’s General Manager, Mrs Fatima Yusuf, committed to supporting INEC’s efforts through in-depth broadcast coverage.
