0
0
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, has called on citizens to take full advantage of the upcoming Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in preparation for the 2026 governorship election in the state.
Dr. Agboke made this appeal during a sensitisation visit to the palace of the Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun, in Ila-Orangun on Tuesday, where he also sought strategic collaboration with traditional rulers across the 30 local government areas of the state.
According to the INEC commissioner, the visit forms part of the commission’s ongoing stakeholder engagement efforts, particularly with royal fathers, to sensitise communities on retrieving lost or defaced Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), effecting transfers, and registering first-time voters.
“Our visit to Ila is for two main reasons. First, to sensitise the people about the commencement of the Continuous Voter Registration in Osun State,” Dr. Agboke said.
He expressed concern about past voter apathy, noting that over 300,000 PVCs are yet to be collected across the state, and urged citizens to ensure they are duly registered and possess their valid voter cards ahead of the elections.
The INEC boss revealed that online registration will commence on August 18, 2025, through the commission’s portal, while physical (in-person) registration will begin on August 25.
He clarified that physical registration is mandatory after online pre-registration, as biometric data—such as fingerprints and passport photographs—must be captured to complete the process.
Dr. Agboke also warned against double registration, stressing that it constitutes a criminal offence under the Electoral Act. He added that INEC offices in Ila, Ifedayo, and Boluwaduro local governments will be open and fully operational for the registration exercise.
Calling on the traditional ruler to support the mobilisation effort, Agboke said: “we implore the Orangun of Ila to help us compel the people to come out for the CVR.”
In his response, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun welcomed the initiative and pledged the full support of the traditional institution toward sensitising residents.
“I call on all chiefs and residents of Ila to comply with the commission’s instructions and come out en masse for the CVR,” the monarch declared, assuring that the exercise will not experience any setback within his domain.
The Continuous Voter Registration is part of INEC’s nationwide plan to ensure an updated and credible voter register ahead of the 2026 polls.
Average Rating