The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has described the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise as a collective national responsibility rather than a political competition.
The INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Dr Mutiu Agboke, made the remarks on Monday during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting aimed at briefing participants on the rollout of the second phase of the CVR and enhancing collaboration ahead of future elections.
Dr Agboke called on political actors to prioritise peace and civic duty over partisan interests, highlighting that consultations with stakeholders during the first phase of CVR had contributed to a smooth and violence-free exercise.
“The engagement of critical stakeholders has significantly improved trust, transparency and shared ownership of the electoral process in the state,” the REC said.
He added that regular interactions helped clarify electoral procedures, legal frameworks, and the roles of security agencies, political parties, civil society, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media.
The second phase of the CVR began on January 5 and will run until April 17, 2026, in preparation for the Osun State governorship election scheduled for August 8, 2026.
Dr Agboke revealed a new 50-day rotational deployment of voter enrolment devices across local government areas to improve accessibility, reduce congestion, and enhance transparency.
Eligible participants include Nigerians aged 18 and above who have not registered, those yet to complete online registration, voters seeking transfers or corrections, and those needing replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Dr Agboke emphasised that the exercise is free of charge and warned against extortion attempts.
Reflecting on the first phase, the REC said Osun State ranked among the top-performing states nationwide, recording over 209,000 new registrations, thousands of updates, transfers, and PVC replacements, including registration of 1,084 persons with disabilities.
“The success recorded did not happen by accident; it was the result of collective effort and professionalism. The voter registration exercise is not a contest among political parties, but a national civic responsibility,” he said.
Security agencies, including the DSS and Osun State Police, pledged to monitor activities and enforce the law, with DCP Yusuf Taiwo warning that violations would not be tolerated.
Dr Agboke expressed confidence that the second phase of the CVR would surpass the achievements of the first, calling for continued stakeholder support to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.