Civic Groups Launch Plateau-wide Drive to Boost Voter Registration

A coalition of civic organisations, One Voice Group, in partnership with the Plateau Unity Touching Lives Welfare Foundation, has rolled out a statewide voter registration drive across all 17 local government areas of Plateau State. The initiative seeks to make registration more accessible, particularly for residents in remote and hard-to-reach communities.

At a briefing with journalists in Jos on Sunday, One Voice Group founder Aaron Arigbe explained that mobile registration units, operating alongside officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), would visit villages, settlements, and other rural areas to ensure that no eligible voter is left out.

“This campaign is about strengthening democracy and empowering citizens. Everyone’s voice matters, and every vote counts,” Arigbe said. He added that the drive, which begins this month, aims to engage thousands of first-time voters while reactivating those who have previously been inactive in elections.

The organisations described the initiative, dubbed “Voice for All,” as a platform for inclusivity and civic participation. They urged all eligible residents to take advantage of the programme before the close of registration ahead of the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, Plateau State’s INEC recently raised concerns over the low collection rate of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). Resident Electoral Commissioner Mallam Mohammed Sadiq revealed during a stakeholders’ meeting that in the past three months, only 1,004 out of over 101,000 PVCs had been collected—representing less than 1% of the total. He emphasised the need for greater awareness and proactive participation from residents.

The voter registration drive is expected to continue until the official close of registration, with organisers stressing that accessible registration is a key step toward ensuring fair and representative elections in Plateau State.