The Independent National Electoral Commission calls on eligible residents to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise across Delta’s 25 LGAs, stressing the importance of timely participation
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has appealed to residents of Delta State to take an active part in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, emphasizing that the voter’s card remains the most vital tool for effective participation in future elections.
Speaking in Asaba on Tuesday during the official flag-off of the exercise, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Delta State, Sir Etekamba Umoren, underscored the importance of early registration. He warned against waiting until the closing days of the exercise, noting that a late rush often causes unnecessary pressure and avoidable delays.
Umoren assured residents that the biometric capturing process was already running smoothly across designated registration centres spread across all the 25 local government areas of the state. He described the turnout as encouraging but called on more eligible voters to take immediate advantage of the window of opportunity provided.
“Your voter’s card is your strength. If you have not registered, you cannot vote. We implore every eligible voter, particularly those who have attained the age of 18, to come forward for registration. There is no reason to delay,” he said.
The REC further explained that the commission has made provisions not only for fresh registration but also for those who, due to circumstances beyond their control, could not register earlier. He added that residents who misplaced their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) or need replacements should approach the registration centres to process new ones.
In addition to the physical registration points, Umoren highlighted the availability of online pre-registration, which he said was designed to simplify the process for residents. According to him, applicants can now complete preliminary steps from the comfort of their homes before visiting a designated centre to finalize biometric capturing.
“The online registration option makes the process easier and faster. You can fill in the necessary information at home and when you get to the centre, within minutes, the process is complete,” he explained.
While commending the turnout so far, Umoren expressed concern that some residents were deliberately waiting for the last minute before registering. He cautioned that such tendencies often lead to overcrowding, frustration, and, in some cases, disenfranchisement.
The Delta REC, therefore, reiterated that timely registration was the surest way to avoid missing out on exercising the constitutional right to vote. He stressed that the commission remains committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections and that the CVR exercise was a critical step towards ensuring inclusive participation.
The Continuous Voter Registration exercise is part of INEC’s broader strategy to expand the voter base ahead of future elections, particularly as more young Nigerians reach voting age. Delta State, with its large and diverse population spread across 25 LGAs, remains one of the key states where mobilizing eligible voters is essential to strengthening democratic participation.
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