The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has called on citizens to take active part in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
In a statement on Wednesday, Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Hayab, described voter registration as the first step for Nigerians who want their voices to count in governance. He urged the public to overcome doubts about the value of their votes, warning that voter apathy only strengthens politicians who exploit low turnout.
“Our votes count. If votes were useless, no one would attempt to buy them. Nigerians should understand that the real power lies in the ballot and not in money shared during elections,” Hayab said.
He further appealed to religious leaders across faiths to intensify sensitisation within congregations and communities, noting that faith-based platforms remain vital for mobilising citizens. Hayab also urged INEC to expand registration centres to rural and hard-to-reach areas to make the process more accessible.
INEC had earlier announced that its online pre-registration portal opened on August 18, 2025, while physical registration commenced on August 25. The CVR will run until August 30, 2026, across its 811 state and local government offices nationwide.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has called on citizens to actively engage in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Hayab, in a statement on Wednesday, said voter registration is the first step for Nigerians who want their voices to be heard in governance. He urged citizens to overcome doubts about the value of their votes, stressing that voter apathy only empowers politicians who thrive on low turnout.
“Our votes count. If votes were useless, no one would attempt to buy them. Nigerians should understand that the real power lies in the ballot and not in money shared during elections,” Hayab said.
According to INEC, more than 1.3 million Nigerians completed their online pre-registration within the first week, with youths aged 18 to 34 constituting the majority of applicants. The Commission reminded the public that the CVR covers fresh registration, transfer of voting locations, and replacement of lost or damaged voter cards, while warning that multiple registrations remain illegal.
Rev. Hayab particularly urged young people and women to approach the exercise with seriousness and patriotism.
“Selling your vote is selling your conscience and your tomorrow. We must reject inducements and stand firm for a Nigeria built on justice, peace, and progress,” he cautioned.
The cleric also appealed to religious leaders across faiths to intensify sensitisation within congregations and communities, noting that faith-based platforms remain effective for mass mobilisation. He further urged INEC to bring registration centres closer to rural and hard-to-reach areas to ease the process for prospective voters.
Hayab assured that Northern CAN would continue to partner with churches, civil society organisations, and community leaders to ensure that no eligible Nigerian is left behind in the registration process.
INEC announced that its online pre-registration portal opened on August 18, 2025, while physical registration commenced on August 25. The exercise is scheduled to run until August 30, 2026, across its 811 state and local government offices nationwide.#newsafro_
