CVR: Oborevwori, Stakeholders Decry Low Turnout, Demand Stronger Grassroots Mobilisation In Delta
DELTA State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has raised concern over the low turnout recorded during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, calling for intensified grassroots mobilisation ahead of the second phase scheduled for January 2026.
The Governor made the call on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 during a sensitisation and advocacy engagement organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in partnership with the Delta State Government at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Governor Oborevwori described the 76,000 registrations recorded in the first phase as “far below expectations,” noting that the figures do not reflect Delta State’s population size or political awareness.
He stressed that voter registration remains the foundation of credible elections, adding that democratic participation begins with obtaining a Permanent Voter Card (PVC).
Oborevwori urged traditional rulers, political party leaders, religious groups, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, market associations, and the media to drive the mobilisation effort directly into communities. He also appealed to young people and first-time voters to take advantage of the opportunity to register, describing them as the “future of Nigeria’s democracy.”
The Governor restated his administration’s commitment to supporting INEC with the resources needed to ensure a smooth and credible exercise. He expressed confidence that the second phase of the CVR would record a significant improvement.
Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Kingsley Emu, said the sensitisation became necessary due to growing voter apathy and declining civic participation. He noted that while INEC conducts elections, citizens must complement the process by registering and voting. According to him, citizens who fail to vote “lose the moral right” to criticise governance.
In his presentation, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Sir Etekamba Udoh Umoren, highlighted the activities carried out in the first phase, which began with online pre-registration in August 2025, followed by physical capture at local government offices and the display of the voters register for claims and objections, as required by the Electoral Act 2022.
He explained that the CVR covers first-time voters, those who previously could not register, individuals needing corrections, replacement of lost or damaged PVCs, and voters wishing to transfer their registration to a new location.
Sir Umoren confirmed that the second phase commenced on January 5, 2026, emphasising that voter registration is a civic duty central to democratic governance. He also warned against offences such as multiple registration and the submission of false information, noting the legal consequences attached.
The sensitisation programme featured a roadwalk led by the Deputy Governor and attracted key stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; Hon. Francis Waive; members of the State Executive Council; lawmakers; traditional rulers; market unions; civil society groups; IPAC; ALGON; and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).
