The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in Northern Nigeria has appealed to Nigerians to see the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, as another opportunity to register to participate in future elections in the country.
According to CAN, “The ongoing registration by INEC gives Nigerians ample opportunity to fully participate in future elections to vote leaders of their choice for the overall development of Nigeria.”
Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, in a statement explained that the voter registration is the first step for citizens who want their voices to count in governance of the country to register.
He appealed to Nigerians to overcome doubt about the value of their votes, saying that apathy only strengthens politicians who benefit from low voter turnout to ensure their will is carried out.
Hayab further explained, “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.”
He called on religious leaders of all faiths to intensify sensitisation of their congregations and communities, describing faith-based platforms as effective channels for mass mobilisation towards doing what is right in the society.
Hayab also appealed to INEC to make deliberate efforts to bring registration centres closer to the people, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas, in order to ease the process for prospective voters.
According to INEC, the online pre-registration portal opened on August 18, 2025, while the physical registration commenced on August 25, 2025, and will continue until August 30, 2026. The Commission announced that registration is taking place at its 811 state and local government offices nationwide.
The Commission further disclosed that more than 1.3 million Nigerians completed their online pre-registration in the first week of the exercise, with young people between the ages of 18 and 34 constituting the majority of registrants.
They reminded the public that the CVR accommodates fresh registration, transfer of voting locations, and replacement of lost or damaged voter cards, while cautioning that multiple registrations remain illegal.
Rev. Hayab urged citizens, especially youths and women, to approach the registration 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 added.
Northern CAN assured that it would continue to collaborate with churches, civil society groups, and community leaders to ensure that no eligible Nigerian is left behind in the voter registration process.
Voter registration: Our votes count, not money — Rev Hayab
