The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has restated that the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) remains the only valid means through which citizens can choose their preferred leaders.
Speaking at a press briefing to announce the start of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise in Oyo State, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Adeniran Rahmon Tella, emphasized the importance of the PVC and cautioned residents against handing it over to anyone.
He explained that the card empowers people to shape the political future of their state.
Dr. Tella disclosed that the CVR exercise will run for one year, he appealed to the media to partner with INEC in sharing verified information and countering false narratives that may circulate during the process.
In his words, “Your PVC is the license to elect leaders of your choice. It is your tool for shaping the future of our State. Do not therefore surrender your power to decide.”
The REC revealed that the online registration, which resumed on Monday, August 18, 2025, has already recorded strong participation.
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According to him, “The Commission resumed online registration last Monday, the 18th August 2025 with 66,951 (4.85%) Nigerians completing online pre-registration within the first week resumption in Oyo State.
This impressive response shows a clear indication that Nigerians remain eager to participate in democratic process.”
He explained that such participation reinforces the credibility of elections: “It ensures that the outcome of any election truly reflects the will of the people. This sensitization campaign is therefore an investment in the legitimacy of our future electoral processes, both at the State and local levels.”
Dr. Tella further charged journalists to serve as credible conveyors of information during the CVR exercise, urging them to use their platforms to promote awareness, fight misinformation, and hold the commission accountable.
He said, “I would therefore charge you to be a veritable channel for disseminating accurate information about the CVR process, set the agenda for democratic participation through your editorials, reports and programmes, help counter misinformation and fake news that may arise during the exercise and hold us accountable and report challenges observed at registration centers to ensure that the commission improve in its service delivery.”