The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has called on Nigerians to take part in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise organised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Hayab, made the appeal in a statement on Wednesday, stressing that voter registration is the first step for citizens who want their voices to be heard in governance.
Voter Registration as a Tool for Change
Rev. Hayab urged Nigerians to dispel doubts about the value of their votes, warning that voter apathy only benefits politicians who thrive on low turnout.
“Our votes count. If votes were useless, no one would attempt to buy them. Nigerians must understand that real power lies in the ballot, not in money shared during elections,” he said.
The cleric further appealed to religious leaders across different faiths to intensify voter sensitisation in churches, mosques, and communities, noting that faith-based platforms remain one of the most effective channels for mass mobilisation.
INEC’s Ongoing Continuous Voter Registration Exercise
INEC had earlier announced that its online pre-registration portal opened on August 18, 2025, while physical voter registration commenced nationwide on August 25, 2025. The exercise will run until August 30, 2026, across the commission’s 811 state and local government offices.
According to INEC, more than 1.3 million Nigerians completed their online pre-registration in the first week, with youths between 18 and 34 years old making up the majority of applicants.
The electoral body also reminded the public that the CVR exercise covers:
- Fresh voter registration
- Transfer of polling units
- Replacement of lost or damaged voter cards
INEC also cautioned against multiple registrations, describing it as illegal.
Northern CAN’s Call to Youths and Women
Rev. Hayab particularly charged young Nigerians and women to take the registration exercise seriously and embrace it as a patriotic duty.
“Selling your vote is selling your conscience and your future. We must reject inducements and stand firm for a Nigeria built on justice, peace, and progress,” he warned.
He assured that Northern CAN would continue to partner with churches, civil society organisations, and community leaders to ensure that no eligible citizen is left behind in the registration process.
Why This Matters
With the 2025 general elections in Nigeria fast approaching, voter registration remains a critical step for citizens to secure their democratic rights. Civic groups and religious leaders alike believe that mass participation in the CVR exercise will help shape a stronger, more accountable Nigeria.
