INEC Sensitises Ogun Citizens on Voter Registration, Warns Against Multiple Registrations
By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday, August 28, 2025, held a sensitisation forum at its Ifo office in Ogun State to enlighten political parties and citizens on the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
The forum, which brought together representatives of different political parties and security operatives, emphasised the importance of proper registration, collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and compliance with electoral laws. Present at the forum were officials of the Department of State Services (DSS), INEC officers, including Mr. Olujimi and Mr. Olowoyo, as well as Hon. Akingbala Semiu, the Ogun Central Senatorial Chairman of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP).
Speaking at the session, INEC officer Mr. Olujimi explained the rationale behind the ongoing exercise, noting that the commission is particularly focused on pre-registration and ensuring that uncollected PVCs are picked up.
“There are thousands of voter cards still lying uncollected in our offices across Ogun State. We urge those who registered previously but have not captured or collected their PVCs to come forward and complete the process. Without capturing, their registration remains incomplete,” Olujimi said.
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He further stressed that the exercise also targets young Nigerians who have just attained the age of 18.
“Many of our children who are now 18 or 19 years old have not registered before. This is the opportunity for them to exercise their civic rights. We encourage them to take advantage of this period,” he added.
His colleague, Mr. Olowoyo, warned participants against engaging in multiple registrations, describing it as an electoral offence.
“Registering more than once is against the law. INEC’s system automatically detects multiple registrations, and offenders may face penalties. We appeal to citizens to follow due process,” Olowoyo stated.
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After the forum, Hon. Akingbala Semiu commended INEC for what he described as “a timely and crucial exercise.” Speaking to journalists, he urged political parties and citizens to support the commission in ensuring credible elections.
“On behalf of my party, the NNPP, and as a stakeholder in Ogun politics, I deeply appreciate the DSS and INEC officials for organising this sensitisation. The Enlightenment has shown us the importance of participation and compliance. I urge our people not to take this exercise for granted because voting is the foundation of democracy,” Hon. Akingbala said.
The Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) is part of INEC’s preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to the commission’s guidelines, the exercise is aimed at accommodating new voters, correcting errors in existing records, and ensuring that previously registered voters who have yet to collect their PVCs do so before the next electoral cycle.
Observers noted that the presence of security agencies, particularly the DSS, underscored the seriousness of the exercise and INEC’s commitment to transparency and orderliness.
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As Ogun State continues to record impressive political participation, stakeholders believe that sustained sensitisation campaigns will play a vital role in ensuring higher voter turnout in future elections.
