By Rosemary Ameh, Sokoto
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has urged stakeholders in Sokoto State to step up efforts in mobilizing women and young people to register in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Umar Yusuf Garba, made the call during a sensitization event on promoting gender inclusivity in the electoral process.
He stressed that closing the participation gap for women and youth is vital in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Garba noted that several barriers ranging from limited access to information to socio-cultural restrictions and economic challenges, continue to exclude women, particularly those in rural communities, from active political engagement.
“We must work together to break down these barriers and ensure women are fully engaged in the democratic process,” he urged, adding that electoral inclusivity would only be achieved through collective action.
The REC also highlighted the role of public awareness campaigns in dispelling misinformation and fake news surrounding voter registration.
He appealed to civil society organizations (CSOs), traditional institutions, and community groups to collaborate with INEC in reaching underserved populations.
According to him, expanding voter registration among women and the youth is not only about numbers but about ensuring that Nigeria’s elections reflect the voices of all citizens.
“This is a collective responsibility, only through inclusive participation can we build a more representative and credible electoral system,” he noted.
