Sokoto State has emerged as the third-best-performing state nationwide in the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, registering a total of 162,299 eligible voters.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Sokoto State, Umar Yusuf Garba, disclosed this on Wednesday during a briefing for journalists on the outcome of the exercise.

Garba said the first phase of the CVR, which ran from August 18 to December 10, 2025, recorded significant success and reflected growing civic consciousness among residents of the state.

“This achievement is a clear indication of increasing awareness and commitment of the people of Sokoto to participate in the democratic process,” he said.

According to him, the first phase of the exercise was designed to bring voter registration closer to the people, especially those in remote and rural communities.

“We want every eligible Nigerian, whether in urban centres or rural areas, to have easy access to voter registration. The turnout recorded shows that the people of Sokoto are increasingly committed to democracy,” he added.

The REC also announced the commencement of the second phase of the CVR, which covers registration of newly eligible voters who have attained 18 years, replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), correction of personal details, and transfer of voter registration within or outside the state.

“Registration is currently taking place at all the 23 INEC Local Government Area offices, the state office, and other approved registration centres across Sokoto State,” Garba stated.

He explained that the second phase, which began on January 5 and will run until April 17, is aimed at further decentralising the process and reducing the burden of long-distance travel for residents.

The commission, he said, has deliberately taken registration services to the grassroots to ensure wider participation, particularly among rural dwellers.

Garba urged all eligible residents who are yet to register, as well as those who need to update their voter information, to take advantage of the opportunity.

He reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to delivering a free, fair, inclusive and credible voter registration process capable of strengthening Nigeria’s democracy from the grassroots.