Gôvernor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta has advocated grassroots sensitisation and mobilisation of residents to participate fully in the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in the state.
Oborevwori, who expressed worry over the poor turnout during the first phase of the exercise, said the number fell short of expectation, given the growing population of the state in recent times.
He spoke at a voter sensitisation and advocacy forum in Asaba, organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in partnership with the State Government.
Oborevwori, represented by Dep. Gov. Monday Onyeme, said that just over 76,000 registrants in the first phase was inconsistent with Delta population size and demographic history.
He, therefore, urged stakeholders to urgently step up mobilisation efforts during the second phase of the exercise, which began a few weeks ago.
He said that voter registration is not merely a procedural requirement but “the bedrock of democratic participation”.
The governor said that a credible electoral process begins with citizens being properly registered to vote.
He appealed to traditional institutions, political parties, religious organisations, youth and women groups, market associations, civil society organisations, and the media to take the CVR campaign directly to the grassroots.
He particularly encouraged young people and first-time voters to embrace the process, describing them as critical drivers of future democracy.
Oborevwori reassured INEC of his administration’s continued support, pledging to provide all the necessary assistance to ensure a smooth, credible, and peaceful exercise across the state.
He expressed the confidence that intensified grassroots engagement would significantly boost participation in the second phase.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, linked the low turnout to growing voter apathy and declining civic engagement.
Emu said that while INEC is responsible for organising elections, citizens have a duty to participate by registering and voting.
He argued that meaningful governance could only thrive when citizens actively exercise their civic rights, warning that disengagement weakens accountability and democratic outcomes.
In a remark, the Delta Resident Electoral Commissioner, Etekamba Umoren, provided an overview of the first phase of the CVR.
Umoren said the first phase began with online pre-registration in Aug. 2025 and transitioned to physical registration at the local government offices.
He said that the online and physical registration resulted in 76,667 persons captured during the first phase in Delta.
He also said that the display of voters’ register for verification, claims and objections, in line with the Electoral Act 2022, was also done.
Umoren said that the CVR process covered first-time registrants, those who missed earlier exercises, applicants seeking corrections, individuals replacing lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards, and voters wishing to transfer their registration.
He announced that the second phase had commenced since Jan. 5.
The REC warned against electoral offences, such as multiple registration and false declaration, pointing out that such acts attract legal sanctions, while reaffirming INEC’s commitment to neutrality and transparency.
The sensitisation programme, which ended with a road walk, attracted a wide array of participants, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mr Dennis Guwor, and other stakeholders.
