Writing By Daniel Karlmax; Editing By Godwin Duru
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the nineteen Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory has urged Nigerians to participate actively in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
In a statement made available to Newsmen in Kaduna, Chairman of Northern CAN, Reverend John Joseph Hayab said voter registration is the first step for citizens who want their voices to count in governance.
It appeals to Nigerians to overcome doubt about the value of their votes, stressing that apathy only strengthens politicians who benefit from low voter turnout.
“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,” Rev. Hayab said.
He calls on religious leaders of all faiths to intensify sensitization in congregations and communities, describing faith-based platforms as effective channels for mass mobilisation.
Hayab also appeals 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.
“INEC says, the online pre-registration portal opened on August 18, 2025. Physical registration commenced on August 25, 2025, and the exercise will continue until August 30, 2026.
“It also announces that registration is taking place at its 811 state and local government offices nationwide, and 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” said Mr. Hayab.
He reminds 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 urges 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 assures 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.
Daniel Karlmax
