In a renewed effort to strengthen electoral processes in Plateau State, the Plateau State Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) has reaffirmed its commitment to collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), ahead of the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
The assurance came during a courtesy visit to PLASIEC headquarters in Jos by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Plateau State, Mallam Mohammed Abubakar Sadiq, and his team. They were received by the PLASIEC Chairman, Hon. Plangji Daniel Cishak, and other senior officials of the state electoral body.
Describing the visit as a positive step towards reinforcing synergy between the two commissions, Hon. Cishak noted that both INEC and PLASIEC have shared responsibilities at different tiers of Nigeria’s electoral system.
“We are excited about this renewed partnership. INEC and PLASIEC are sister agencies, and we believe that through collaboration, we can build institutions that truly reflect the will of the people through credible elections,” he said.
The PLASIEC Chairman commended the REC’s depth of experience, having served within INEC and now as a commissioner, expressing confidence that the Plateau electoral body would benefit from his expertise.
Hon. Cishak provided insights into PLASIEC’s internal progress, highlighting efforts to improve institutional capacity, infrastructure, and public trust. He also disclosed the commission’s development of a Voter Verification System (VVS)—a homegrown digital platform aimed at improving voter accreditation processes. While acknowledging initial technical hitches, he expressed optimism that, with government support, the system would be enhanced.
On voter participation, the PLASIEC Chairman appealed for collaboration in the distribution of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) across the state, emphasizing the need to ensure the cards serve their intended purpose.
“We must work together to make sure that PVCs produced for citizens do not lie idle in offices. PLASIEC is ready to support any drive aimed at boosting PVC collection,” Cishak said.
He also used the occasion to call for constitutional reforms to address constituency imbalances, specifically referencing Jos North, which has over 800 polling units but only one state constituency. He described such disparities as unjust and problematic during elections.
Cishak concluded by requesting INEC’s support in the areas of capacity building, technical training, and electoral reforms, reiterating PLASIEC’s dedication to credible, transparent local government elections.
In his response, REC Mallam Mohammed Abubakar Sadiq affirmed INEC’s commitment to closer collaboration with PLASIEC, describing the state electoral body as a vital partner in Nigeria’s democratic architecture.
“We have a common mandate to ensure credible elections—INEC at the federal and state level, and PLASIEC at the grassroots. Our functions are complementary,” the REC noted.
Mallam Sadiq explained that the visit was primarily to formally introduce himself to the PLASIEC leadership following his recent posting to Plateau State two months ago. He underscored the importance of institutional dialogue, coordination, and joint capacity efforts.
The REC also announced that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Plateau State will commence on August 18, 2025, with a seamless digital pre-enrollment process for prospective voters.
“A platform will be made available for eligible registrants to begin the process online. Then, from August 25, they can visit designated centers with their registration slip for biometric capture and final enrollment,” he disclosed.
Both commissions reaffirmed their mutual commitment to enhancing electoral transparency and inclusiveness, setting the tone for a collaborative pre-election season in Plateau State.
