…REC cautions against multiple registration, urges media, stakeholders to mobilise citizens
By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
As preparations intensify ahead of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Ondo State, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has raised concerns over the staggering figure of uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), totalling 295,856.
The disclosure was made on Monday, by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Ondo State, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, during the second quarterly consultative meeting with the media held at the INEC State headquarters, Alagbaka, Akure.
Mrs Babalola described the number of uncollected PVCs as “worrisome” and called for collective efforts from the media, civil society, political parties, and traditional institutions to sensitise residents on the importance of voter participation and collection of cards.
Of the 2,053,061 registered voters in Ondo State, only 1,757,205 have collected their PVCs, leaving a significant portion disenfranchised if the trend continues.
“We urge all eligible citizens who are yet to collect their PVCs to take advantage of the CVR period to do so. A credible voter register is the bedrock of credible elections,” she emphasised.
The REC announced that the CVR exercise will commence nationwide on August 18, 2025 with online pre-registration via http://cvr.inecnigeria.org, followed by physical (in-person) registration on August 25, across the 18 INEC Local Government Offices and the State Office in Akure, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. every Monday to Friday.
Mrs Babalola explained that the registration exercise targets seven categories of citizens: new registrants who just turned 18, those unable to register previously, individuals seeking to transfer registration, voters with accreditation issues, citizens needing data updates, those with defaced or lost PVCs, and people collecting unclaimed PVCs.
The exercise is expected to run continuously until August 2026 but will be paused temporarily in December 2025 for processing of data collected within the initial months.
The REC issued a strong warning against double or multiple registrations, citing the Electoral Act 2022, which prescribes a fine of N100,000, one year imprisonment, or both, for offenders.
“Those already registered must not re-register. It is illegal and punishable under the law,” she cautioned.
She disclosed that all 19 designated registration centres have been prepared and equipped with the INEC Voter Enrolment Devices (IVEDs), which are fully charged, labelled, and ready for deployment.
Babalola further stated that INEC staff have also been stationed and briefed in anticipation of the exercise’s commencement.
Acknowledging the media as a critical partner in the electoral process, Mrs Babalola praised journalists in the State for their professionalism and consistent support.
“You are the vital link between the Commission and the people. Your objectivity and dedication are instrumental to our success,” she said.
She appealed to stakeholders—political parties, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers, youth and women groups—to support public mobilisation efforts, reiterating that INEC cannot achieve electoral credibility in isolation.
In her closing remarks, the REC reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to a transparent, professional, and inclusive CVR process.
She also congratulated the re-elected Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ondo State Chapter, Prince Leke Adegbite, on his return to office, describing it as “a testament to his dedication and leadership.”
