The Independent National Electoral Commission in Rivers State has given approval for the decentralisation of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise to the Registration Area and ward levels across the state.
The development was disclosed in a press statement dated January 30, 2026, and signed by Geraldine Ekelemu, Head of Voter Education and Publicity, on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Rivers State.
The initiative is intended to take voter registration services closer to eligible Nigerians and enhance participation in the electoral process, especially at the grassroots.
INEC announced that the ward-level CVR will begin on Monday, February 2, 2026, and will last for 50 days, with the exercise conducted on a rotational basis across the 319 wards in Rivers State.
According to the Commission, the decentralisation forms part of ongoing efforts to widen access to voter registration, remove obstacles that discourage participation, and promote inclusiveness in the democratic process.
Eligible citizens who have reached the age of 18 were encouraged by INEC to utilise the opportunity to register when the exercise gets to their respective wards.
The Commission noted that the exercise will also accommodate voters who wish to transfer their registration, replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), or correct personal details in their voter records.
INEC also appealed to community leaders, civil society groups, political parties, media organisations, and other relevant stakeholders to assist in public awareness campaigns and help ensure a calm and well-organised registration process throughout the state.
Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening democracy through broader voter participation, INEC assured the people of Rivers State that the registration exercise would be conducted in a transparent and inclusive manner.
The Commission again urged community leaders, civil society organisations, political parties, the media, and other stakeholders to lend their support to sensitisation efforts and to promote a peaceful and orderly CVR exercise across Rivers State.
INEC reiterated its resolve to deepen democratic participation and reassured residents of Rivers State of a credible, transparent, and inclusive voter registration process.
