Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over the slow start to its Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) in Okitipupa, Ondo State, despite efforts to raise awareness.
The CVR, which began online on 18 August and moved to physical centres on 25 August, is aimed at registering new voters aged 18 and above, re-issuing lost voter cards, and enabling transfers between polling units.
However, when a NAN correspondent visited the INEC office in Okitipupa on Monday, only a few residents had turned up to register, with officials left largely unoccupied.
Local electoral officer Adedayo Fakorede said the low turnout was anticipated, explaining that awareness campaigns had already been extended to churches, mosques, and markets. He expressed optimism that participation would grow as the days progressed.
“This exercise is vital to ensure that more citizens can exercise their franchise. We urge residents to come out in numbers,” Fakorede said.
Observers say poor internet access remains a challenge for many Nigerians seeking to register online. One registrant, Ardo Godwin, told NAN that repeated failed attempts due to weak connectivity forced him to appear at the INEC office in person.
INEC’s registration exercise comes as the country prepares for upcoming elections, with the commission under pressure to expand voter access and restore confidence in the electoral process.
