Uyo, Akwa Ibom State – The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced a significant milestone in Akwa Ibom State, registering 76,534 new voters during the first phase of its nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. This figure, representing fresh additions to the state’s electoral roll, provides a tangible measure of civic engagement ahead of future polls.
The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr. Obo Effanga, confirmed the data in a statement released in Uyo. The registration drive, which ran from August 25 to December 10, 2025, marks a critical step in INEC’s mandate to ensure an inclusive and updated voter database.
Beyond the Headcount: The Crucial ‘Claims and Objections’ Phase
Mr. Effanga emphasized that the registration number is not final. A vital week-long public display of the preliminary register is scheduled from December 15 to 21 across all 31 Local Government Area (LGA) offices in the state. This period is far more than a formality; it is a foundational pillar of electoral integrity.
“We strongly appeal to all registrants to visit their LGA offices to verify their personal details,” Effanga stated. “This window is also a civic duty opportunity for any citizen to file claims or objections. This is how we collectively clean the register by identifying and reporting ineligible entries, such as non-citizens or deceased individuals.” This public audit mechanism is designed to bolster confidence in the voter list’s accuracy, a perennial concern in Nigerian elections.
Context and Implications: What 76,534 New Voters Signifies
To understand the scale of this registration, it must be viewed against Akwa Ibom’s existing voter population. In the 2023 general elections, the state had approximately 2.3 million registered voters. These 76,534 new registrants—comprising mostly youths attaining voting age and previously unregistered adults—could represent a potential swing of over 3% in the state’s electoral dynamics, making them a highly sought-after demographic for political parties.
The CVR is continuous by design. Effanga confirmed that the second phase will commence on January 5, 2026, offering another chance for eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC)—the essential ticket for participation in Nigeria’s democracy.
Practical Guide for Akwa Ibom Residents
For the public, the immediate next steps are clear:
- Verification (Dec. 15-21): Proceed to your LGA INEC office to check your name and details on the displayed register.
- Error Reporting: If you find mistakes in your biodata, follow INEC’s procedure at the office to file a claim for correction.
- Objection Filing: If you identify an ineligible name, you can formally file an objection.
- Future Registration: Mark January 5, 2026, for the next CVR phase if you or anyone you know remains unregistered.
This process underscores a collaborative model of election management, where INEC provides the framework, but the integrity of the voter roll relies on active citizen participation. The announced figures are a snapshot of progress, but the true test lies in the accuracy and credibility of the final list that will emerge from the public’s scrutiny. (Source: NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
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