REPORTER: CHRISTAIN NWANGENE
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called on eligible residents of Enugu State to participate actively in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) to ensure their eligibility for future elections.
Speaking at a news conference in Enugu, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for the state, Dr. Chukwuemeka Chukwu, described voter registration as a fundamental pillar of Nigeria’s democratic process, stressing that it enables citizens to exercise their constitutional rights to vote and be voted for in elections.
Dr. Chukwu explained that the commission has continued to strengthen the voter registration framework to ensure that all eligible Nigerians are captured in the National Register of Voters, particularly across the 17 local government areas of the state.
According to him, the Continuous Voter Registration commenced nationwide in August 2025 at INEC state and local government offices.
He said the first phase ended in December 2025, and the second phase began on January 5, 2026, and is currently ongoing.
He noted that registration activities are taking place in the 260 registration areas across Enugu State, including the state office, from Monday to Friday between 8 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner clarified that the exercise is not limited to first-time registrants but also citizens who have recently turned 18, voters seeking to transfer their registration to new locations, as well as individuals wishing to correct or update their personal information.
He stated that Nigerians who previously registered in other states but have relocated to Enugu can transfer their voter registration to their current place of residence.
“Anyone who has relocated from states such as Lagos, Kaduna, or elsewhere to Enugu can use this opportunity to transfer their voting point to their current place of residence,” he said.
Dr. Chukwu further encouraged residents who encountered challenges with their Permanent Voter Cards during previous elections to visit INEC offices to resolve such issues ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said that the commission was implementing measures to decongest polling units with excessive voter populations. Polling units with more than 1,200 registered voters may be divided, with some voters reassigned to nearby units to improve the efficiency of the voting process.
The REC added that INEC will conduct a public display of the voter register before elections to allow citizens verify their details and confirm their polling units.
Providing an update on the exercise, he said 31,689 voters have so far been registered across the State since the commencement of the second phase.
Dr. Chukwu therefore residents of areas with low turnout to mobilise eligible citizens to take advantage of the opportunity.
He emphasized that voter registration is completely free, warning residents against paying money to anyone for the process.
“Registration is completely free across Nigeria. INEC does not collect money from anyone for voter registration,” he said.
The REC therefore called on all eligible residents of Enugu State to take advantage of the opportunity to register, update their details, or transfer their voter registration before the next general elections.
“Registering to vote gives citizens the power to choose their leaders. It is both a right and a responsibility,” he added.
