The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced the relocation of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise for four local government areas (LGAs) in Borno State due to persistent insecurity.
The affected LGAs are Abadam, Guzamala, Kala-Balge, and Marte. According to the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Abubakar Ahmed Ma’aji, security challenges in these areas make it unsafe to conduct voter registration at their official local government headquarters.
Speaking during a press briefing in Maiduguri on Friday, Ma’aji explained that registration for residents of the affected LGAs will now take place at designated centers within Maiduguri metropolis.
New Registration Centers for Displaced LGAs
Abadam: Yerwa Peace, Baga Road, Maiduguri.
Guzamala: Fire Service Department, 1,000 Housing Estate, Maiduguri.
Kala-Balge: Goni Kachallari Primary School, Mafa Road, Maiduguri.
Marte: Kachamari, opposite Shettiram Filling Station, Gamboru-Ngala Road, Maiduguri.
Phased Registration Timetable
Ma’aji outlined that the exercise will be conducted in three phases to ensure proper coverage:
Phase 1: August 28 – December 10, 2025. Display of register: December 15 – December 21, 2025.
Phase 2: January 5 – April 17, 2026. Display of register: April 20 – April 26, 2026.
Phase 3: May 4 – August 17, 2026. Display of register: August 24 – August 30, 2026.
INEC Calls for Public Cooperation
Ma’aji urged residents from the affected LGAs to take advantage of the alternative registration centers, emphasizing that voter registration is a civic responsibility. He also appealed for sustained collaboration with the media to keep the public informed about the process.
“This exercise is a national call to civic duty, and we are committed to ensuring every eligible citizen participates,” Ma’aji said.
The relocation highlights ongoing security concerns in parts of Borno, where insurgency and instability continue to disrupt electoral and civic activities. INEC assured that despite these challenges, it remains committed to inclusivity, accessibility, and transparency in Nigeria’s electoral process.
