Aniagwu Urges Eligible Deltans To Register, Calls For Easier Voter Registration Process
DELTA State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, has urged eligible residents of the state to take advantage of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, describing voter registration and possession of a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) as both a constitutional right and a civic duty.
Aniagwu made the call on Wednesday January 21, 2026, while speaking with journalists at a voter sensitisation and advocacy programme organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in collaboration with the Delta State Government. The event held at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
He noted that every Nigerian who is 18 years and above is legally qualified to register and vote, and may also contest for elective office where applicable. According to him, voter registration is the foundation of democratic participation, stressing that citizens who fail to vote lose the moral standing to complain about poor leadership and governance.
The commissioner explained that the sensitisation exercise was designed to reach first-time voters, especially young people who were underage during the last general elections, as well as those who could not register previously due to one challenge or another.
He said voting remains the most effective way for citizens to influence leadership choices and governance outcomes at all levels, from local councils to the state and federal government.
Aniagwu expressed concern that many Nigerians still downplay the importance of voter registration, often citing the stress of locating registration centres as a reason for their reluctance. He said such attitudes highlight the need for continuous public enlightenment on the value of being captured in the voter register.
The Commissioner also called for sustained engagement with INEC, referencing Section 10 of the Electoral Act, which provides for continuous voter registration and makes it clear that the exercise should not be limited to the period preceding elections.
Raising concerns about logistics, Aniagwu described the allocation of only two registration machines per local government area as inadequate and urged INEC to increase the number to improve access for eligible voters.
He further advocated the use of technology to simplify the registration process, noting that if Nigerians can conduct banking transactions and open accounts via mobile phones, voter registration should not be different.
According to him, the current system is stressful and capital-intensive, often requiring multiple visits to registration centres with no assurance of same-day registration. He said a technology-driven and community-based approach would reduce costs, ease logistics and address voter apathy.
Aniagwu commended INEC for organising the sensitisation programme and expressed confidence that sustained advocacy would lead to increased voter registration across Delta State. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to initiatives that promote citizen participation and strengthen democracy.
