INEC Commends Women for Leading Voter Registration in Akwa Ibom State

The Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Obo Effanga, has lauded women in the state for their impressive turnout in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.

Speaking when he appeared as guest on ARISE Policy Thrust on Premium 89.9 FM in Abak, Mr. Effanga described the development as “something interesting” and an encouraging sign of growing civic responsibility among women.

“As of yesterday, 429 females had registered, while 322 males registered,” he disclosed. “Since this exercise began, women have consistently led the registration figures.”

The REC reiterated that only eligible Nigerians are allowed to register and vote, urging those with incomplete registration or outdated information to update their details.

He warned against the misuse of the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), stressing that “the voter’s card is solely for voting in elections.”

“It is wrong for any agency or organisation to insist that you must present a voter’s card to access services,” he added.

On voter transfer requests, Mr. Effanga clarified that the process is flexible. “You can transfer your voter registration at any centre nationwide,” he said.

He further explained that, except for fresh registrants who must appear in person for biometric capture, most services including transfers, replacements of lost or damaged cards, and updates are available online through INEC’s official portal, cvr.inecnigeria.org.

Effanga encouraged citizens to follow the daily registration statistics posted on the INEC Akwa Ibom Facebook page. “You can register anywhere you are, but please indicate where you intend to vote,” he advised.

Addressing concerns about polling units, the INEC boss emphasised that no politician has influence over their creation. “Polling units belong exclusively to INEC,” he said. He explained that where a unit exceeds 750 registered voters, “INEC creates additional voting points within the same area to ease congestion and make voting more convenient.”

He assured that vulnerable groups including persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and nursing mothers would receive priority attention at all registration centres.

On staff conduct, Mr. Effanga appealed for mutual respect between INEC officers and the public. “If any of our staff misbehaves or fails to do the right thing, please report it to us. We know how to handle it,” he stated.

The REC announced that the current phase of the CVR, which began in August, will continue until December 2025. Two additional phases will follow from January to April 2026 and May to August 2026 bringing the entire exercise to a close in August 2026.

He also noted the importance of updating the national voter register, pointing out that it still contains names from as far back as the 2011 general elections.

Mr. Effanga urged eligible residents to seize the opportunity to register. “We want every qualified citizen especially our young people and women to get registered so they can participate in choosing leaders who will shape the future of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria,” he said.