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Governor  Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, has raised concern over the low turnout recorded in the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in the state, urging stakeholders to step up grassroots mobilisation ahead of the second phase scheduled for 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 partnership with the Delta State Government at Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.

Represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme, Oborevwori described the outcome of the first phase as disappointing, noting that the about 76,000 registrants recorded fell far short of expectations for a state with Delta’s population size and political awareness.

He stressed that voter registration is the entry point to democratic participation and the bedrock of a credible, inclusive electoral process, warning that apathy could undermine the collective voice of the people.

The Governor called on traditional rulers, political parties, religious organisations, civil society groups, youths and women associations, market unions and the media to take ownership of the CVR campaign by driving awareness down to the grassroots.

He made a special appeal to youths and first-time voters to come out en masse and register, describing them as critical stakeholders and the future of democracy in the state.

Oborevwori reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing an enabling environment for INEC to carry out its constitutional mandate and expressed optimism that intensified mobilisation would lead to a significant improvement in the second phase of the exercise.

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Kingsley Emu, said the sensitisation programme was organised in response to growing voter apathy and declining civic participation. He noted that while INEC is responsible for conducting elections, citizens must play their part by registering and voting, adding that those who abstain lose the moral ground to complain about governance.

In his presentation, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udoh Umoren, outlined the process of the first phase of the CVR, which began with online pre-registration in August 2025, followed by physical registration at local government offices and the display of the voters’ register for claims and objections, in line with the Electoral Act 2022.

He explained that the exercise covers first-time voters, those who missed previous registrations, applicants seeking correction of personal details, replacement of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and voters wishing to transfer their registration.

Umoren announced that the second phase of the CVR commenced on January 5, 2026, emphasising that voter registration is a civic duty and a pillar of democracy, not a mere administrative routine. He also warned against offences such as double registration and false declarations, noting that such acts attract legal sanctions.

The sensitisation programme, which featured a road walk led by the Deputy Governor, 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; Hon. Francis Waive; members of the State House of Assembly and Executive Council; traditional rulers, market women, civil society organisations, community leaders, IPAC, ALGON and the Nigeria Union of Journalists, among others.