Sokoto INEC moves against underage registration, vote buying

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The Independent National Electoral Commission in Sokoto State has stepped up measures to curb underage voter registration and vote buying, describing both practices as serious threats to credible elections.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner in the state, Umar Yusuf Garba, disclosed this during an interactive session with journalists in Sokoto, where he outlined the commission’s strategies to protect the integrity of the voters’ register.

Garba said INEC had strengthened screening procedures under the Continuous Voter Registration exercise to ensure that only eligible Nigerians aged 18 and above are registered.

“Whenever there is doubt about the age of a registrant, we insist on verifiable documents such as a birth certificate, age declaration or primary school certificate. These documents give a clear indication of whether the person is truly qualified to register,” he said.

He revealed that INEC has formally engaged the Sokoto State Ministry of Justice to stop the indiscriminate issuance of age declarations, while the National Population Commission has also been involved to enhance verification processes.

“We have written to the Ministry of Justice to ensure that courts do not issue age declarations carelessly. Parents and guardians must also be held accountable because the integrity of the electoral process is at stake,” Garba added.

Speaking on the border areas and non-Nigerians’ attempt to register, the REC said INEC is also collaborating with the Nigeria Immigration Service to prevent non-Nigerians, particularly in border communities, from registering as voters.

“In border local government areas, immigration officers are stationed throughout the registration process.

“Whenever there is doubt about a person’s nationality, we refer the case for immediate verification,” he explained.

On vote buying, Garba lamented the growing culture of monetising electoral participation, warning that it undermines voters’ independence and democratic values.

“Vote buying has become a serious concern. Some politicians induce voters with cash or items and collect their voter cards to control their votes. We have taken steps to stop this,” he said.

According to him, INEC has stopped the bulk issuance of Permanent Voter Cards, insisting that cards are now collected strictly on a personal basis.

“We will not give voter cards to third parties. Collection is personal, and your presence must be confirmed. This is to prevent politicians from hijacking voter cards,” he stated.

The REC noted that poverty and the expectations of financial inducement have weakened civic responsibility among voters, contrasting the present situation with earlier political eras when citizens made sacrifices without demanding payment.

On Technology and Enforcement, the REC clarified that while INEC has prosecutorial powers over electoral offences, it does not have the authority to arrest suspects.

“We rely on the police to make arrests. Once an offence is detected, the police are expected to arrest the suspect and hand the case over to us for prosecution,” he said, while insisting that INEC’s technology systems automatically detect and eliminate multiple voter registrations, ensuring that offenders are unable to vote even if they manage to obtain voter cards.

Garba, meanwhile,  expressed confidence that sustained voter education, improved technology and stronger collaboration with security and regulatory agencies would significantly reduce underage registration and vote buying in future elections.

“Our goal is to protect the integrity of the voters’ register and guarantee free, fair and credible elections,” he said.

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