Asaba, Delta State – January 21, 2026 – Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has urged eligible residents to take advantage of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, describing registration and possession of a Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) as both a constitutional right and civic responsibility.
Speaking at a sensitisation and advocacy event organised by INEC in collaboration with the Delta State Government at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Aniagwu stressed that all Nigerians aged 18 and above are legally qualified to register and vote, and in some cases, to contest for elective offices. He warned that citizens who fail to register and vote forfeit the moral right to complain about governance.
The Commissioner highlighted that the CVR exercise is especially important for young people who were underage during the last election and for those unable to register previously due to various challenges. He noted that voting remains the most direct way for citizens to influence leadership selection at all levels, from councillors and local government chairmen to State Assembly members, House of Representatives, Senate, and executive offices.
Aniagwu also expressed concern that many Nigerians underestimate voter registration, often questioning the need to locate registration centres. He called for sustained public enlightenment to encourage citizens to appreciate the importance of being included in the voter register and actively participating in democratic decision-making.
He stressed that voter registration is not only for the period leading to elections but must be continuous, as mandated under Section 10 of the Electoral Act. Aniagwu urged INEC to increase the number of registration machines per local government to improve accessibility and reduce logistical challenges.
The Commissioner further advocated a technology-driven, community-based registration system, noting that if Nigerians can perform complex banking transactions on their phones, voter registration should also be simplified digitally. He explained that the current system is capital-intensive, requiring transportation, feeding, and repeated visits, which can discourage participation.
Aniagwu commended INEC for the sensitisation programme and expressed optimism that sustained advocacy, stakeholder support, and government collaboration would lead to increased voter registration across Delta State. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to empowering citizens, strengthening democratic participation, and ensuring more Nigerians are registered and ready to vote in future elections.
