Asaba, Delta State – Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has voiced deep concern over the disappointingly low turnout recorded during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in the state, describing the figures as falling far short of expectations given Delta’s population size and established democratic culture. He has called for an urgent, aggressive grassroots mobilisation drive by all stakeholders to ensure a dramatic improvement in the second phase, which commenced on January 5, 2026.
The Governor made the remarks on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, during a high-level sensitisation and advocacy engagement jointly organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Delta State Government at the iconic Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba. Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Governor Oborevwori lamented that only about 76,000 new registrants were captured in the initial phase—an outcome he said did not reflect the state’s demographic strength or the civic consciousness of its people.
“Voter registration is the gateway to democratic participation and the very foundation of a credible, inclusive, and legitimate electoral process,” the Governor stated. “When eligible citizens fail to register, they inadvertently weaken the democratic fabric and limit their ability to influence governance and leadership selection at every level.” He stressed that a robust voter register is indispensable for free, fair, and transparent elections, and urged immediate action to reverse the trend of apathy.
Governor Oborevwori specifically appealed to a broad coalition of stakeholders—traditional rulers, political party leaders across all affiliations, religious organisations, civil society groups, youth and women associations, market unions, community leaders, and the media—to take full ownership of the CVR campaign. He emphasised the need to drive awareness and registration drives directly into wards, communities, markets, churches, mosques, schools, and social gatherings, ensuring no eligible person is left behind.
Particular emphasis was placed on mobilising young people and first-time voters, whom the Governor described as “the future of our democracy.” He encouraged them to view registration as an empowering act that gives them a direct stake in shaping policies on education, employment, security, infrastructure, and economic opportunities.
Reaffirming the state government’s unwavering support, Oborevwori assured INEC of continued logistical, security, and enabling environment assistance to facilitate smooth operations. He expressed optimism that concerted efforts in the ongoing second phase would yield significantly higher numbers, positioning Delta State as a model of civic engagement ahead of future elections.
In his welcome address, Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, explained that the sensitisation programme was prompted by worrying signs of declining civic participation and rising voter apathy across the state. While acknowledging INEC’s constitutional mandate to conduct elections and manage the voter register, Dr. Emu underscored that ultimate responsibility for turnout rests with citizens. “Those who choose not to register and vote effectively forfeit the moral authority to criticise governance outcomes, poor service delivery, or leadership failures,” he asserted. He called for collective resolve to restore active citizenship as a cornerstone of good governance.
The Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Sir Etekamba Udoh Umoren, provided a detailed overview of the CVR timeline and scope. The first phase began with online pre-registration in August 2025, followed by physical biometric capture at designated centres in local government secretariats, and concluded with the display of the provisional voters register for claims and objections, in full compliance with the Electoral Act 2022.
The REC outlined the categories of eligible applicants: first-time voters aged 18 and above, those who missed previous registration windows, individuals seeking corrections to personal details (name, date of birth, address, etc.), replacement of lost, damaged, or defaced Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and those wishing to transfer their polling unit due to relocation. He reiterated that CVR is a continuous, year-round civic duty—not a sporadic, election-period activity—and urged citizens to treat it with the seriousness it deserves.
Sir Umoren cautioned against electoral offences such as multiple registrations, provision of false information, or impersonation, warning of severe legal penalties including fines and imprisonment. He assured stakeholders of INEC’s unwavering commitment to neutrality, transparency, technological integrity, and peaceful conduct throughout the exercise.
The programme featured a symbolic road walk led by Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme, with participants carrying placards and banners bearing messages such as “Your PVC, Your Power,” “Register Now, Vote Later,” and “No Registration, No Voice.” The event drew an impressive turnout of key figures, including Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; Member representing Ughelli North/Ughelli South/Udu Federal Constituency, Hon. Francis Waive; several members of the State House of Assembly; State Executive Council members; traditional rulers; market women leaders; civil society organisations; community representatives; the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC); Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) Delta chapter; and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), among others.
Stakeholders at the event pledged renewed commitment to community-level mobilisation, with plans for town hall meetings, door-to-door campaigns, radio jingles, social media drives, and partnerships with faith-based organisations to reach underserved populations. Many expressed hope that the second phase, with its extended reach and heightened awareness, would reverse the initial low turnout and produce a comprehensive, up-to-date voter register reflective of Delta’s vibrant population.
As the CVR exercise continues nationwide, the Delta sensitisation programme serves as a clarion call for renewed civic responsibility. With elections in 2027 and beyond on the horizon, leaders across political divides agree that a strong, inclusive voter register is essential for credible polls, equitable representation, accountable governance, and the deepening of democratic culture in the state.
