Newly redeployed Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Kwara State, Mr Hale Gabriel Longpet, has announced plans by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to significantly increase the state’s voter population ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr Longpet made this known during a chat with Newsmen in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.
He explained that a major part of his mandate is to improve voter participation, both in registration and turnout.
The State REC expressed concern that Kwara, despite its pivotal role in Nigeria’s political history, had only 1,695,927 registered voters as of the last general election, with 1,537,275 collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), amounting to 90.6 per cent collection rate.
According to him, INEC is set to kick off the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on August 18, 2025 for the online registration while the in-person registration will commence on the 25th of this month across all 16 local government area headquarters in the state, in addition to the state office in Ilorin making 17 registration centres in total.
Mr Longpet maintained that the CVR would capture eligible Nigerians who recently turned 18, allow voters to transfer registration due to relocation, replace lost PVCs, and correct errors in names or other personal data.
He emphasized that only Nigerians aged 18 and above who have not previously registered are eligible for fresh registration.
The REC pointed out that INEC would also make uncollected PVCs available at the registration centres, enabling those who missed out in previous distribution rounds to retrieve their cards.
Mr Longpet also revealed that he would embark on a tour of all 16 local governments in Kwara in the coming weeks as part of sensitization efforts, particularly to reach hard-to-access areas such as riverine communities.
He stressed that INEC is working in collaboration with stakeholders including the National Orientation Agency (NOA), traditional institutions, civil society organizations, and the media to ensure widespread public enlightenment.
The REC explained that the Interagency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES) is also on board to provide security support during the exercise.
Mr Longpet also addressed the issue of voter apathy, stating that many Nigerians still believe their votes don’t count, an assumption he described as false and dangerous to democratic development.
He acknowledged that voter intimidation and violence in some areas discourage participation but assured that the Commission, with support from security agencies, is working to create safer voting environments.
On the issue of political cross-carpeting, Longpet clarified that INEC does not have the power to declare seats vacant following defections by elected officials.
He elucidated that it is the responsibility of the legislature, either the Speaker of the House of Assembly or Senate President—to notify INEC of any such developments before action can be taken.
Similarly, he reiterated that the conduct of local government elections lies solely with the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs), and INEC’s only contribution is to provide the voter register upon request.
He disclosed that INEC has made submissions to the National Assembly concerning electoral reforms, including the possibility of diaspora voting and early voting for electoral officials.
Responding to a question on the viability of electronic voting, Mr. Longpet admitted that while desirable, the current infrastructure across Nigeria cannot support it.
Mr. Longpet, who served as REC in Kogi before his redeployment, said his priority is to ensure inclusiveness, transparency, and voter confidence throughout his tenure in Kwara.
