The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Delta State has revealed that a total of 76,667 persons were registered during the online and physical registration carried out by the commission in the first phase of the Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) carried out in the state last year, and now stand prepared to participate in shaping the future of the country through the ballot.
This was as Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, the state governor and other stakeholders described the figure as low turnout and called for massive grassroots mobilisation across the state for the second phase, which commenced January 5, 2026.
Etekamba Umoren, the state resident electoral commissioner (REC), Wednesday, who disclosed the figure during the commission’s stakeholder sensitization and advocacy engagement held at Government House Asaba, in collaboration with the Delta State Government, outlined the timeline of the first phase of 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, applications seeking correction of personal details, replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and those wishing to transfer their registration.
The REC announced that the second phase of the CVR would begin on January 5, 2026 and that voter registration is a civic duty and a cornerstone of democracy, not merely an administrative exercise. He cautioned against registration offences such as multiple registrations and providing false information, noting the legal penalties attracted.
While expressing concern over the low turnout, the stakeholders agreed to intensify grassroots mobilisation for the second phase, which commenced this January 2026.
Oborevwori, who was represented by Monday Onyeme, his deputy, said the number registered in the first phase was as far below expectations, adding that the over 76,000 registrants recorded did not reflect the population strength and democratic consciousness of the state.
He 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.
While reaffirming his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for INEC to effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities, Oborevwori expressed optimism that the second phase of the exercise would record a significant improvement over the first.
Kingsley Emu, Secretary to the Delta State Government (SSG) had disclosed that the engagement was necessitated by declining civic participation and voter apathy.
