Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for massive grassroots mobilization as the second phase of Continuous Voters Registration commences in January 2026.
Governor Oborevwori represented by the State Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme stated this in Asaba at a sensitisation and advocacy engagement organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in collaboration with the Delta State Government.
The Delta State Governor expressed dissatisfaction over the low registration figures from the first phase of the Continuous Voters Registration, saying the figures were as far below expectations, noting that the 76,000 registrants recorded did not reflect the population strength and democratic consciousness of the state.
Oborevwori stressed that voter registration remains the gateway to democratic participation and the foundation of a credible and inclusive electoral process.
He called on traditional rulers, political party leaders, religious bodies, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, market associations, and the media to take ownership of the CVR campaign by driving awareness directly to communities.
He particularly appealed to youths and first-time voters to seize the opportunity to register, describing them as the future of democracy.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for INEC to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities and expressed optimism that the second phase of the exercise would record a significant improvement over the first.
In an address of welcome, the Secretary to the Delta State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, said the engagement was necessitated by declining civic participation and voter apathy.
He emphasised that while INEC’s primary responsibility is to conduct elections, citizen participation through voter registration is fundamental to good governance.
Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udoh Umoren, outlined the timeline of the first phase of the CVR, which commenced with online pre-registration in August 2025, followed by physical registration across local government offices and the display of the voters register for claims and objections, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.
He explained that the CVR accommodates first-time voters, those who missed earlier registrations, applicants seeking correction of personal details, replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and those wishing to transfer their registration.
The REC announced that the second phase of the CVR began on January 5, 2026, stressing that voter registration is a civic duty and a cornerstone of democracy, not merely an administrative exercise.
He also cautioned against registration offences such as multiple registrations and providing false information, noting the legal penalties attached, while assuring of INEC’s commitment to neutrality, transparency, and peaceful conduct of the exercise.
Highlights of the sensitisation included a roadwalk led by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme.
