The Kaduna State Government has voiced concern over the low participation of residents in the ongoing voter registration exercise, urging council chairmen, traditional leaders, clerics, and the media to intensify efforts to mobilise citizens.
Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said on Thursday, September 25, that Governor Uba Sani had directed practical measures to encourage broader involvement in the exercise.
He spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting convened to review obstacles and design strategies for improvement.
Maiyaki noted that early figures from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showed Kaduna and the North-West zone trailing behind in registration numbers.
He emphasised that the issue had already attracted the attention of the Federal Government.
“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,” he said.
According to the commissioner, the meeting was expanded to include local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious figures, and the media because of their influence in mobilising people across different communities.
He commended some chairmen who had already launched sensitisation campaigns, describing the meeting as an opportunity to coordinate efforts for better results.
The engagement was organised in two phases: an initial session with the media to create awareness, followed by a technical session with council leaders to harmonise grassroots strategies.
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Vice Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Kaduna chapter, Dauda Madaki, told journalists that chairmen had agreed to approach the exercise as a “World Cup” contest, with LGAs competing to record the highest turnout.
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.”