A pro-democracy and good governance advocacy group, Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) Nigeria, has expressed concern over the low turnout of registrable persons in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise across the Southeast.
According to recent statistics released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Abia State and the entire Southeast zone are trailing behind other regions in voter registration figures.
In a statement issued on Monday by FENRAD’s Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, the group urged all eligible residents to take advantage of the exercise by turning out in large numbers to register at designated centers across local councils.
“Voter registration is the foundation of democratic participation and a critical step toward electing responsive and accountable leaders in the 2027 general elections,” the group stated.
FENRAD described the Southeast’s low participation as “alarming” and called for immediate action to reverse the trend.
“It is disheartening that the Southeast is lagging behind in voter registration, according to INEC’s data. We urge all eligible residents, especially youths, women, and first-time voters, to rise to the occasion and register. The power to decide the future lies in the voter’s card,” the statement read.
The group also encouraged residents to update their information or transfer their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) where necessary, emphasizing that voter registration is both a civic duty and a means of empowerment.
FENRAD called on INEC to intensify its voter education efforts, particularly in rural areas where access to information may be limited.
It recommended a mix of grassroots outreach, town hall meetings, faith-based platforms, traditional institutions, social media campaigns, and partnerships with civil society organizations to ensure widespread participation.
“INEC must not treat voter education as a routine. The commission must adopt proactive and innovative approaches to reach the grassroots,” the group said.
Reaffirming its commitment to deepening democratic governance, FENRAD pledged to continue working with stakeholders to promote free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.
