Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has called on eligible residents of the state to take full advantage of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, describing voter registration and possession of the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) as both a constitutional right and a civic responsibility.
Aniagwu made the call on Wednesday while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a sensitisation and advocacy engagement organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in collaboration with the Delta State Government at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
According to the Commissioner, every Nigerian who has attained the age of 18 is legally qualified to register and vote, and in some cases, to be voted for, depending on the elective office.
He stressed that voter registration is fundamental to democratic participation, noting that citizens who fail to vote effectively forfeit the moral right to complain about poor leadership and governance outcomes.
He explained that the sensitisation exercise was aimed at reaching new registrants, particularly young Nigerians who were underage during the last general election, as well as those who were unable to register previously due to various challenges.
Aniagwu said the exercise was necessary to help citizens understand that voting remains the most direct way of influencing governance and leadership selection at all levels, from councillors and local government chairmen to members of the State House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate, and executive offices.
The Commissioner lamented that many Nigerians still underestimate the importance of voter registration, often questioning the need to endure the stress of locating registration centres.
He noted that such attitudes underscore the need for sustained public enlightenment to ensure citizens appreciate the value of being included in the voter register and actively participating in decision-making processes.
Aniagwu also called for continuous engagement with INEC, referencing Section 10 of the Electoral Act, particularly subsections 1, 2 and 3, which mandate continuous voter registration.
He emphasized that voter registration should not be treated as an exercise carried out only in the build-up to elections.
Expressing concern over logistical constraints, he noted that the allocation of only two registration machines to each local government area was inadequate and urged INEC to increase the number of machines to improve accessibility.
He further advocated the deployment of technology to simplify the process, arguing that if Nigerians can carry out complex financial transactions and open bank accounts using mobile phones, voter registration should also be technologically driven.
According to him, the current process is capital-intensive and stressful, often requiring transportation, feeding, and repeated visits to registration centres without guarantee of same-day registration.
He said a technology-driven and community-based registration system would significantly reduce costs, logistical challenges, and voter apathy.
Aniagwu commended INEC for organising the sensitisation programme and expressed optimism that sustained advocacy and stakeholder support would lead to increased voter registration across Delta State.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to supporting initiatives that empower citizens, strengthen democratic participation, and ensure that more Nigerians are registered and ready to vote when elections are conducted.
