INEC warns foreigners to steer clear of voter registration

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has cautioned that non-citizens must not partake in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

Umar Ibrahim, Bauchi State’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, issued the warning on Thursday during a stakeholder meeting in Bauchi ahead of Phase Two of the CVR in the state.

Commending the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security, Ibrahim highlighted their role in identifying a non-citizen erroneously registered during Phase One. He also praised stakeholders for their collaboration throughout the exercise.

“In particular, the Commission notes the role played by members of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security in identifying a non-citizen who was erroneously registered. The Commission has commenced the necessary statutory processes to rectify the anomaly in accordance with the law,” Ibrahim stated.

He added, “As Phase Two progresses, the Commission urges all stakeholders to maintain active engagement in voter sensitisation, mobilisation and public awareness campaigns, to ensure that all eligible citizens take the opportunity to register and collect their Permanent Voter Cards.”

Ibrahim emphasised that voter registration is the cornerstone of the electoral process, underlining the importance of the meeting to mark the resumption of Phase Two in Bauchi State.

Danladi Abdulkadir, representing the Controller of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Bauchi State, reiterated that non-citizens are prohibited from voting or standing for election under any circumstances. He encouraged Nigerians to report any suspected non-citizens residing in the country to the relevant authorities.

Phase One of the CVR, conducted between 18 August and 10 December 2025, saw substantial progress in voter registration, record management and PVC collection in Bauchi State.

A total of 41,973 new voters were registered, including 22,188 males and 19,785 females. Out of 37,658 uncollected PVCs from previous exercises, 1,888 were collected, leaving 35,770 outstanding. The exercise also recorded 5,298 voter record updates, 3,350 reviews, 5,847 transfers, 1,336 replacements of damaged PVCs, and registration of 101 Persons with Disabilities.

Phase Two of the CVR began nationwide on 5 January 2026 and is scheduled to run until 17 April 2026.