The Chairman of Talata-Mafara Local Government Area in Zamfara State, Hon. Yahaya Yari, has stirred mixed reactions after distributing mobile phones, power banks, and printers to selected youths in his constituency.
In a viral video seen by IntelRegion on Friday, the council boss also pledged to pay each youth ₦10,000 as a “data allowance.”
Yari, younger brother of Senator Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara West, said the initiative was designed to assist the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by making voter registration easier, especially in rural communities.
Speaking to beneficiaries, he explained that 16 Tecno Pop 9 smartphones were bought to support the exercise, while the provision of power banks would ensure uninterrupted use of devices even in remote areas with limited electricity.
Yari stated: *“These are 16 Tecno Pop 9 phones purchased to support this work, and from today, I will be monitoring how voter registration is progressing in our local government.
“I will also be keeping an eye on those of you who have been given these gadgets. I don’t want to hear excuses like your phone isn’t charged or you don’t have a device. Here are the phones and power banks provided for you. No matter where you are—even in the most remote places—you’ll be able to keep your phone charged so that people can register to vote.”*
The initiative drew mixed reactions. While some Nigerians hailed it as a timely move to empower residents and encourage voter participation, others dismissed it as politically driven.
On X, @MalcolmAlkalee praised the gesture: “This thoughtful gesture spares many from having to visit cafés and pay for the service, making the process more accessible and inclusive.”
But @SamboMaiHula argued: “Zamfara youths are being paid ₦10,000 each and given new Android phones to promote Governor Dauda Lawal and spread propaganda. This shows that Dauda’s administration may be manipulating public opinion by incentivizing youths to push misleading information in the state.”
Others mocked the program. @aiisha_dalhatu posted: “But how’s this an initiative please? Phones and power banks 🤌🤭. Akwai matsala. Babba!”
Similarly, @ElhussainAbdul3 wrote: “So with all the energy Nigeria has they can’t provide electricity to the public meanwhile in their houses they sleep in darkness! that’s why the young guys has to be giving Power box 😢.”
Meanwhile, INEC has confirmed that the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise will run for one year, ending August 30, 2026, ahead of the 2027 elections. Online pre-registration began on August 18, 2025, followed by physical registration at INEC’s 811 state and local government offices across the country.
Within the first week, 1,379,342 Nigerians had registered online, with women (52.04%) slightly outnumbering men (47.96%). Youths aged 18–34 dominated the process with 62.37%, while students made up over 27% of registrants.
