Asaba, Delta State – Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has passionately appealed to all eligible citizens in the state to seize the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by registering and obtaining their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs). He described voter registration not merely as a legal entitlement but as a sacred civic duty essential for meaningful participation in Nigeria’s democracy.
The commissioner made the call on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, while addressing journalists on the sidelines of a high-profile sensitization and advocacy programme jointly organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Delta State Government. The event, held at the prestigious Unity Hall within Government House, Asaba, brought together stakeholders, youth groups, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and community influencers to deepen public awareness about the CVR process.
Aniagwu reminded attendees that the 1999 Constitution (as amended) grants every Nigerian who has attained the age of 18 years the right to register as a voter, and in many cases, to contest elective positions. He stressed that active participation through voting remains the most powerful and direct mechanism available to citizens for shaping governance, holding leaders accountable, and influencing policy direction at every level—from local government councillors and chairmen to state assembly members, federal lawmakers, governors, senators, and the presidency.
“Those who deliberately choose not to register and vote effectively surrender their moral authority to complain about bad leadership, corruption, poor service delivery, or governance failures,” Aniagwu declared. “Democracy thrives when the people take ownership of the process. Your PVC is your voice; failing to use it is akin to self-exclusion from the decision-making table.”
The commissioner highlighted the importance of the current CVR window in capturing a new generation of voters. Many young Nigerians who were below 18 during the 2023 general elections are now eligible, while others who missed previous opportunities due to relocation, illness, loss of documents, or logistical barriers can now correct their status. He described the sensitization programme as a deliberate effort to reach these demographics and dispel myths that voter registration is optional or irrelevant.
Aniagwu lamented the persistent apathy and misconceptions surrounding the exercise. He observed that a significant number of citizens still view registration as an unnecessary burden, citing long queues, distant centres, and repeated visits as deterrents. Such attitudes, he argued, reflect a broader need for sustained public enlightenment campaigns to underscore the long-term value of inclusion in the national voter register.
Referencing legal provisions, the commissioner pointed to Section 10 of the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended), particularly subsections 1, 2, and 3, which explicitly mandate INEC to conduct continuous voter registration throughout the year—not just in election periods. He urged Nigerians to treat registration as an ongoing civic responsibility rather than a last-minute rush, warning that low turnout during CVR directly weakens democratic legitimacy and representation.
Expressing concern over operational challenges, Aniagwu criticized the current allocation of only two registration machines per local government area in Delta State as grossly inadequate for a population exceeding seven million. He called on INEC to urgently deploy additional biometric kits, more registration officers, and extended operational hours to improve access, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities where transportation costs and distance pose significant barriers.
The commissioner advocated a radical shift toward technology-driven and community-based registration models. Drawing parallels with everyday digital conveniences, he noted: “Nigerians routinely open bank accounts, transfer millions of naira, apply for international passports, and conduct complex financial transactions using smartphones. If we can achieve that level of sophistication in banking and fintech, why should voter registration remain so capital-intensive, stressful, and physically demanding?”
He proposed innovations such as mobile registration vans equipped with solar-powered systems, online pre-registration portals linked to National Identification Numbers (NIN), community-level capture points in schools, markets, and places of worship, and incentives to encourage first-time registrants. Such reforms, he argued, would drastically cut costs for citizens, reduce logistical hurdles, minimize repeated visits, and ultimately combat voter apathy while boosting registration numbers.
Aniagwu commended INEC for organizing the Unity Hall sensitization event and expressed confidence that collaborative advocacy involving government, civil society, religious bodies, traditional institutions, and youth organizations would yield a surge in registrations across Delta State. He reaffirmed the Oborevwori administration’s unwavering support for all initiatives that deepen democratic culture, empower citizens, and ensure every eligible Deltan is registered and prepared to exercise their franchise in future elections.
The event featured presentations from INEC officials on registration procedures, eligibility criteria, required documents (including NIN slips, birth certificates, or affidavits), and common pitfalls to avoid. Participants were encouraged to spread the message in their wards, communities, and families, with emphasis on targeting first-time voters aged 18–30 who form the bulk of the unregistered demographic.
As the CVR exercise continues nationwide, stakeholders in Delta State view Commissioner Aniagwu’s call as timely and strategic. With elections on the horizon in 2027 and beyond, a robust, inclusive voter register is seen as foundational to credible polls, equitable representation, and accountable governance. The commissioner’s push for technological innovation and increased resources could set a benchmark for other states grappling with similar challenges
