Alfred Ajayi
As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) sets the stage for the 2025 Anambra Governorship Election, the call to action for eligible residents is simple yet urgent: register to vote.
From Monday, July 8 to Wednesday, July 17, 2025, INEC will conduct the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) across Anambra State – a crucial window of opportunity for new voters, those who have relocated, or anyone who missed previous registration exercises to be numbered in the registered of voters.
According to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Elizabeth Agwu, the exercise will hold daily including Saturdays and excluding Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
This schedule that aims to accommodate both students and working-class residents. This short 10-day period could shape the future leadership of the state, and by extension, the quality of governance in areas like education, infrastructure, security, health, and job creation.
The CVR is meant for Nigerians who reside in Anambra and are up to 18 and above. Such persons must not have been registered previously because multiple registration is a criminal offense. Registered voters who have changed locations or lost their PVCs can also take advantage of the CVR to transfer their voting units or request a replacement.
The Power of the Voter Register
Voter registration is not just about obtaining a Permanent Voter Card (PVC); it is the foundation of credible elections. A clean, updated, and inclusive voter register ensures that every eligible citizen is captured, recognized, and empowered to participate in the democratic process. Without registration, there is no voting. And without voting, citizens lose their most powerful tool to demand accountability.
INEC data from the 2023 general elections showed that Anambra State had over 2.5 million registered voters, yet only about 28% turned out to vote. The turnout during the last governorship election in the state was even worse with only 10% of registered voters casting their ballot. The figures expose a troubling pattern of civic disengagement – a challenge that begins with poor or missed registration and deepens with voter apathy.
For the 2025 election, INEC hopes to register thousands of new voters, particularly youths who have recently turned 18, as well as first-time registrants and those who have changed residence within the state.
Beyond the ballot – Why Nigerians register
While political analysts and civic educators emphasize the electoral significance of PVCs, many Nigerians register for diverse reasons beyond voting. One of the reasons is to get access to official identification. The PVC is a widely accepted means of identification for banking, school admissions, job applications, and even SIM registration.
Some Nigerians view voter registration as a form of civic responsibility and a show of patriotism, regardless of whether they eventually vote. For such people, possessing such cards is a proof of Bonafide citizenship. Unfortunately, thousands of these folks have never tested the power of the PVC in relation to voting.
Besides, many Nigerians are in possession of PVCs today due to social influence. In other words, peer pressure and public awareness campaigns, especially during election seasons, often nudge people toward registration.
There are those who register in anticipation of better leadership and governance from the new government that emerges after election. Despite frustrations with the political system, socio-economic deprivations, hyper-inflation etc, many citizens register in hopes that new leadership could bring improvement.
Youth at the heart of the process
With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under 30, young people in Anambra have the numbers to be a deciding bloc in the forthcoming election. But numbers alone are not enough, registration is the gateway to participation.
If youths remain indifferent, they risk leaving decisions about their future in the hands of a few. In the past, many disenchanted youths across the state scheduled football and other sports events on election days. They are seen on streets and playing fields on a crucial day to decide their fate in the next four years.
Anambra is a state rich in human capital, commerce, innovation, and political vibrancy. But its full potential can only be realized when citizens take active roles in choosing their leaders.
As the clock ticks toward the July 8 start date, civil society, religious institutions, traditional leaders, schools, and media outlets must amplify the urgency of this moment. The credibility of the 2025 election starts with a robust voter register — and every eligible resident has a role to play.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Register to vote and secure your place in the future of Anambra State.
