Low CVR Turnout: Oborevwori, Stakeholders Call for Stronger Grassroots Mobilisation in Delta

Stakeholders in Delta State have  expressed concern over the low turnout recorded during the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, calling for renewed and sustained grassroots mobilisation ahead of the second phase which commenced in January 2026.

Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori  made this call at a sensitization and advocacy engagement organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in collaboration with the Delta State Government at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

Governor Oborevwori who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, described the 76,000 registrants recorded in the first phase as below expectation when compared with the population and political awareness of the state, stressing that voter registration is central to democratic participation and credible elections.

The Governor urged traditional institutions, political parties, religious bodies, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, market associations and the media to intensify awareness campaigns at the community level, particularly among youths and first-time voters.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to continue providing an enabling environment for INEC and expressed optimism that the ongoing second phase of the CVR would witness improved participation.

In his remarks, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, said the engagement was prompted by declining civic participation, noting that citizens must register and vote to meaningfully contribute to governance.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udoh Umoren, outlined the scope of the CVR and its legal framework, explaining that the exercise covers fresh registration, correction of details, replacement of Permanent Voter Cards and transfer of registration, in line with the Electoral Act.

He added that the second phase of the CVR began on January 5, 2026, and cautioned against multiple registrations and other offences, assuring stakeholders of INEC’s neutrality and professionalism.

The programme also featured a road walk led by the Deputy Governor and was attended by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, members of the legislature, traditional rulers, political party representatives, civil society organisations, market leaders and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, among others.