Oborevwori Expresses Concern Over Low CVR Turnout, Urges Grassroots Push Ahead of January Phase

Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has expressed concern over the low turnout recorded in the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in the state, calling for intensified grassroots mobilisation ahead of the second phase starting in January 2026.

The Governor spoke on Wednesday, january 21, 2026 at 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.

Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Oborevwori described the 76,000 registrants recorded in the first phase as far below expectations, noting that the figure does not reflect Delta State’s population size or democratic awareness.

He stressed that voter registration is the gateway to democratic participation and the foundation of a credible and inclusive electoral process.

The Governor called on traditional rulers, political party leaders, religious institutions, 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 made a special appeal to youths and first-time voters to seize the opportunity to register, describing them as the future of democracy.

Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for INEC to effectively discharge its constitutional duties and expressed optimism that the second phase would record a significant improvement.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, said the engagement was prompted by growing voter apathy and declining civic participation, stressing that citizen involvement through voter registration is critical to good governance.

According to him, citizens who fail to vote forfeit the moral right to complain about governance outcomes.

In his presentation, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udoh Umoren, outlined the CVR process, noting that it covers first-time voters, corrections of personal details, replacement of lost or damaged PVCs, and transfer of registration.

He announced that the second phase of the CVR commenced on January 5, 2026, describing voter registration as a civic duty and a cornerstone of democracy.

The REC warned against registration offences such as multiple registrations and false information, citing legal penalties, while assuring of INEC’s neutrality, transparency and peaceful conduct of the exercise.

The programme featured a roadwalk led by the Deputy Governor and was attended by key stakeholders, including the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor; his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo; members of the National and State Assemblies, traditional rulers, civil society groups, community leaders, IPAC, ALGON and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, among others.