The Kaduna State Government has expressed concern over the low turnout of citizens in the ongoing voter registration exercise, calling on local government chairmen, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and the media to intensify mobilisation efforts.
The Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, disclosed that Governor Uba Sani, as a democratic and inclusive leader, has directed pragmatic steps to ensure greater mobilisation of eligible voters for broader participation.
Maiyaki raised the concern in his opening remarks at a stakeholders’ meeting convened on Thursday, to review challenges facing the exercise and to chart strategies for improved turnout.
According to him, preliminary reports from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) indicated that Kaduna State and the North-West are lagging behind in registration figures.
INEC resumed nationwide voter registration earlier this year as part of preparations for the upcoming elections.
The exercise, which includes the registration of new voters and the update of existing records, has faced challenges in several states, including inadequate registration machines, limited access to centres, and low public awareness.
The commissioner noted that the development had already drawn the attention of the Federal Government.
He explained that the meeting was deliberately expanded to include council chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media because of their strategic roles in mobilising citizens across diverse demographics.
“The government is deeply concerned about ensuring stronger citizen engagement in this exercise. This is not about partisanship; it is about encouraging all segments of society—youths, women, the elderly, and every gender group—to participate actively in the democratic process”, Maiyaki said.
The commissioner commended some council chairmen who have already launched sensitisation campaigns in their localities, noting that the meeting provided a platform for sharing experiences and coordinated planning to achieve greater impact.
He further said the engagement was structured in two phases: an opening session with the media to highlight objectives and build momentum, followed by a technical session with council chairmen to harmonise grassroots mobilisation strategies.
Speaking to journalists at the end of the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Kaduna State chapter, Dauda Madaki, said the council chairmen had decided to approach the exercise like a “World Cup” tournament, where there would be healthy competition among the local governments. At the end of the registration period, the most outstanding LGA will be recognised.
He said, “On our part as ALGON leadership, we are committed to collaborating closely with the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Youth to ensure the success of this voter registration campaign. We are fully aware of the importance of this process, not just for voting, but for other government interventions that require updated and accurate data.
“We are calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and especially the Resident Electoral Commissioner, to support us by addressing the current challenges. For example, some LGAs like Chikun, Igabi, Zangon Kataf, Sabon Gari, and others with large populations have only two machines allocated for registration. This is clearly insufficient.
“We appeal to INEC to urgently provide more machines—at least 10 per LGA for high-population areas—to ensure that no one is left behind. We must also consider areas with limited access to registration centres. Our people are ready and willing to register. All they need is the opportunity.
“To our fellow chairmen, you are doing an excellent job. Some LGAs have four machines, others five or six—we recognise your efforts in making the most of the limited resources available. Let us continue to support each other and ensure that this registration exercise is a success in every ward and community.”