The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reiterated that the official age for voter registration remains 18 years, in line with provisions of the Electoral Act.
This clarification was provided by the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Yobe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, during an advocacy visit to the Emir of Bade, Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Suleiman, in Gashua on Thursday.
The REC’s statement came in response to a query from the Emir regarding whether individuals aged 16 or 17 could register to vote in anticipation of reaching the legal voting age by the 2027 general elections.
“Only eligible citizens of 18 years and above are allowed to register and vote under the Electoral Act,” Abdullahi stated.
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He emphasised the importance of voter registration as a fundamental component of the electoral process, adding that it plays a key role in ensuring the integrity of elections.
Abdullahi noted that the purpose of his visit was to seek the Emir’s support in sensitising residents of the area on the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
He further stated that INEC is legally mandated to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and to update the voter register ahead of elections.
The REC disclosed that online voter registration commenced on 18 August, while physical registration is scheduled to begin on 25 August. Both processes are expected to run for one year.
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Physical registration will be carried out at INEC’s state headquarters in Damaturu, as well as at registration centres in all 17 local government areas of Yobe State.
Eligible participants include individuals who have not previously registered, those who have turned 18, persons with issues related to their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and those wishing to change their polling units.
