The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Kogi Directorate, in partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), have urged eligible voters to register and collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
They made the call during a sensitisation exercise and a road walk on Wednesday across the streets of Lokoja to mobilise residents for the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). exercise ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The road walk sensitisation campaign comes as INEC prepares to shut the CVR portal on July 10, 2026, after which the Commission will begin the printing of PVCs, for all new and updated registrants.
Addressing participants, the NOA State Director, Mrs Ayedime Aileku, said the campaign was designed to ensure that every eligible citizen takes part in the electoral process.
She noted that the exercise targets Nigerians who have just turned 18, voters who relocated to new areas, and those with defaced, mutilated or wrongly spelt names on their cards. NigeriaBreaking News
“Once you are 18, you are entitled to register as a Nigerian citizen who can vote and take decisions.
“If you have been transferred, update your card. If it is defaced or your name is wrong, go to INEC for correction,” she said.
Aileku urged parents to encourage their children to register, adding that “the change you want to see starts with you. Go and register, update your records, and be part of decision-making in the coming years.”
She stressed that there were only nine days left to the deadline and advised residents to take advantage of the window.
The Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr Shehu Wahab, described the roadshow as INEC’s final phase of direct voter engagement before the close of registration.
He said teams would visit markets and other public spaces in Lokoja to distribute flyers and attend to citizens on the spot.
“CVR ends on July 10. Today is July 1. There cannot be a better time for this awareness drive. After the deadline, INEC will begin processing PVCs for all those who registered,”Wahab stated.
He urged residents seeking new registration, transfer, replacement of lost cards, or correction of details to visit INEC offices immediately, warning that “without a valid PVC, it may be difficult for you to vote.”
The Kogi State Coordinator of the Coalition for Civic Education, and representative of KONGONET, Mr Matthias Okpanachi, said the collaboration with NOA and INEC would strengthen civic education and expand participation. KogiVarsity Agripreneurs
“When we put more hands together, we get more results. Together we can achieve more,” Okpanachi said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities, (JNAPD), Kogi State, Mr Ibrahim Arome, commended NOA for including PWDs in the campaign.
“There is no disability on our voter card. Our members are also voters. This inclusion will encourage many of our people who have not registered or who lost their cards to come out,” Arome said.
However, the Kogi State Director of Ambulance International, Comrade Sunday Jato, urged government and NOA to intensify enlightenment on insecurity.
Jato argued that “elections cannot thrive in an unsafe environment” and called for greater focus on security alongside political activities.
