By Mercy Gadia Adi
Member representing Isoko North and Isoko South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Jonathan Ajirioghene Ukodhiko, has called on residents of the constituency to actively participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), expressing concern over the low level of participation recorded so far.
The federal lawmaker also urged members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) across the constituency to embrace the party’s ongoing e-registration exercise, describing both processes as critical to strengthening democratic participation and the party’s grassroots structure in Delta State.
Ukodhiko made the call on Sunday during a meeting of APC leaders and stakeholders from Isoko North held in Ozoro, where he said the poor turnout in the CVR exercise was worrisome, particularly among youths who have become eligible to vote since the last general election.
He stressed that while voting is a fundamental civic right, registering to vote is an equally important civic responsibility that must not be taken lightly.
According to him, although citizens have no control over the circumstances of their birth, they bear both a civic and moral obligation to contribute meaningfully to national development, noting that active participation in governance begins with voter registration.
Beyond the INEC exercise, Ukodhiko placed strong emphasis on the APC e-registration, calling on party members, supporters and intending members to formally register or update their membership details to strengthen the party at the grassroots.
He said mass voter registration and party e-registration would enhance the APC’s capacity to mobilise widespread support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff F. O. Oborevwori, and other APC candidates in future elections.
“Our strength as a party and as a people lies in our numbers. Registering to vote and registering with the APC are essential steps towards sustaining good governance, continuity and progressive leadership at both the state and federal levels,” Ukodhiko said.
He disclosed that his office had intensified mobilisation efforts, including the engagement of town criers to reach rural communities, collaboration with civil society organisations and the use of social media platforms to mobilise urban residents.
Ukodhiko added that he had also appealed to INEC to extend registration activities to rural areas to ensure inclusive participation across the constituency.
The Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Science and Technology clarified that the ongoing INEC exercise also covers eligible voters seeking transfer of registration, replacement of lost Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and updates of personal details.
He urged all eligible constituents to visit INEC offices within the registration window and encouraged APC members to complete their e-registration without delay, warning that the opportunity may not be extended.