INEC BENUE STATE

On Tuesday, 2nd June 2026, the Administrative Secretary, the Head of Department Electoral Operations, staff of Voter Education, Publicity, Gender, and Civil Society Liaison (VEP) Department, and the State Sensitization Team, embarked on a grassroot outdoor sensitization exercise to enlighten prospective registrants about the ongoing Nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

The purpose of the campaign was to create awareness among residents and members of the public about the ongoing exercise, the team engaged with traders, commuters, and other residents, educating them on the importance of voter registration and encouraging eligible citizens to take advantage of the opportunity to register or update their voter information.

The sensitization campaign covered Daudu, and the North Bank areas, where publicity materials and voter education messages were disseminated to ensure wider awareness and participation in the ongoing registration exercise.

“Somewhere inside of all of us is the power to change the world” - Roald Dahl.

That power begins with the right to vote, so I ask you, do you have a Permanent Voters Card?

Today, Thursday, 28th May, 2026, the Public Affairs Officer, Mrs. Peace Ogoyi, and the State Director, NOA, Mr. Mark Dewua, were featured on the news and current affairs phone-in programme titled; “Perspectives”, on Radio Benue 95.0 fm Makurdi, which was anchored by Ladi Agbo.

Focus was on the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, listeners who are yet to register, were encouraged to do so before the end of the Third (3rd) and Final Phase, on the 10th July, 2026. Concerns and questions raised by callers were also addressed.

After the programme, the PAO joined the NUJ, Benue State Chapter, on a Valedictory service, which was held in honour of Mr. Patrick Omora, AKA Tor Kasuwa, who until his passing, was the anchor and producer of the programme. Mr. Omora, is a very fine journalist, and an ally of the Commission in the State. It is our prayer that the Lord will grant him rest, console his family, NUJ Benue State Chapter, and the entire management and staff of Radio Benue.

Eid al-Adha Mubarak!

Wishing you a joyous celebration filled with peace and prosperity.

RADIO PHONE-IN PROGRAMME ON THE THIRD AND FINAL PHASE OF THE CONTINUOUS VOTER REGISTRATION (CVR) EXERCISE

Yesterday, Monday, 25th May, 2026, the Head of Department, ICT and Voter Registry, Engr. Wakili Tol, and the Public Affairs Officer, Mrs. Peace Ogoyi, featured on a live phone-in programme on Brothers FM 90.5 Makurdi, titled “Burning Issues.”

The programme focused on the Third and Final Phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) Exercise currently being conducted by the Commission. During the discussion, the guests highlighted the objectives of the exercise, timeline for the exercise, eligibility requirements for registration, procedures for fresh registration, transfer of registration, replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and correction of personal details where necessary.

The presenter Mr. Omale, and guests emphasized the importance of voter registration as a prerequisite for participation in the electoral process and encouraged all eligible citizens who have attained the age of 18 years, and those who had not previously registered to take advantage of the exercise before the closing date. They also urged citizens to register only once, warning that multiple registrations constitute an electoral offence and could lead to disqualification from the voters' register.

The programme was highly interactive, with numerous listeners calling in to seek clarification on various aspects of the CVR exercise and to express their views on electoral matters. Questions raised by callers centered on registration procedures, collection of PVCs, transfer of registration, and the locations of registration centres across the state. These concerns were adequately addressed by the INEC representatives.

The appearance on Brothers FM provided another valuable platform for voter education and public enlightenment, helping to increase awareness and participation in the ongoing CVR exercise. The programme ended with a renewed appeal to all eligible citizens to register and ensure they are duly captured in the voters' register ahead of future elections.

FAMILIARIZATION VISIT TO THE NIGERIAN NAVY PROVOST AND REGULATING SCHOOL, MAKURDI.

The Hon. Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mallam Aminu Kasimu Idris, led a delegation from the Benue State Office, on a courtesy visit to the Commandant of the Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School Makurdi, on Thursday, 21st May, 2026.

The visit was part of the Commission’s ongoing stakeholder engagement and inter-agency collaboration efforts aimed at strengthening relationships with security institutions and promoting effective cooperation in the discharge of their respective mandates.

CONTINUATION OF COURTESY CALLS AND CVR AWARENESS

The Honourable Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mallam Aminu Kasimu Idris, continued his stakeholder engagement and advocacy visits with courtesy calls to the National Orientation Agency and the National Youth Service Corps in Benue State, on Wednesday, 20th May, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and intensify awareness on the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

During the visit to the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the REC stressed the importance of strategic public enlightenment and voter education in ensuring increased citizens’ participation in the electoral process. He noted that the Commission considered the Agency a critical partner in mobilizing and sensitizing the public on the need to participate actively in the CVR exercise. He appealed to the Agency to deploy its grassroots communication structures in enlightening eligible Nigerians, particularly first-time voters, on the importance of registering to vote.

Similarly, during the courtesy visit to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the REC highlighted the significant role of youths in deepening democratic participation and electoral integrity. He encouraged the Scheme to sensitize corps members and other eligible youths to take advantage of the CVR exercise and comply with all electoral processes. He further appreciated the longstanding partnership between the Commission and the NYSC, especially the role corps members play during elections.

In their separate remarks, the managements of the NOA and NYSC commended the Commission for the proactive engagement and assured the REC of their readiness to continue collaborating with INEC in the areas of voter education, public sensitization, and electoral support services.

Meanwhile, the newly deployed Comptroller of the Nigeria Immigration Service in Benue State paid a courtesy call on the Commission at the State Headquarters. During the visit, the Comptroller stated that the purpose of the visit was to familiarize herself with the Commission and strengthen institutional relationships between the Immigration Service and INEC.

Responding, the REC welcomed the Comptroller to the State and appreciated the Immigration Service for its support to the Commission over the years. He expressed optimism that the existing cordial relationship between both institutions would be sustained and strengthened in the interest of peaceful and credible electoral processes.

The engagements formed part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to deepen stakeholder collaboration, enhance voter awareness, and ensure the success of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise in the State.

REC INEC BENUE STATE, PAYS COURTESY VISITS TO THE TACTICAL AIR COMMAND, THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE AND 401 SPECIAL FORCES BRIGADE MAKURDI.

The Hon. REC INEC Benue State, Mallam Aminu Kasimu Idris paid courtesy visits to the Air Officer Commanding, Tactical Air Command Makurdi, the Commissioner of Police, and the Commander, 401 Special Forces Brigade Makurdi, on Tuesday, 19th May, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen inter-agency collaboration and sustain existing partnerships ahead of electoral activities in the state.

The visits were aimed at familiarizing the REC with the leadership of the various security agencies and reinforcing the longstanding synergy between the Commission and security institutions in the discharge of electoral responsibilities.

During the visits, the REC stated that election management requires strong cooperation among critical stakeholders, especially security agencies to ensure peaceful and credible electoral processes. He noted that the Commission values the support it receives from security agencies in safeguarding electoral personnel, materials, and processes before, during and after elections. He further informed the security chiefs of ongoing and forthcoming activities of the Commission in the state, including voter registration and preparations toward future electoral engagements. The REC emphasized the need for sustained support, intelligence sharing, and prompt deployment of personnel during election related operations.

In their seperate responses, the commanders and heads of the security agencies welcomed the REC and reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration with the Commission. They assured him of their readiness to support the Commission in the discharge of its constitutional mandate and pledged to maintain a cordial working relationship to ensure peaceful conduct of elections in Benue State.

The Hon. REC INEC Benue State Mallam Aminu Kasimu Idris paid a courtesy visit to the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Benue State Command, on Friday 15th May, 2026.

The visit was aimed at further strengthening the cordial working relationship between the Commission and the Corps. It also provided an opportunity for both institutions to reaffirm their commitment to collaboration, particularly in the area of election security and the protection of electoral personnel, materials and processes.