The Public Complaints Commissioner (PCC) for Benue State, Hon. James Ogaba Oche, has called on Nigerian youths to seize the opportunity of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to register and secure their Voter IDs.
Speaking on the importance of youth participation, Hon. Oche stressed that voter registration is not just a civic duty but a tool for accountability and change. He urged young Nigerians, especially those in Benue State, to take advantage of the CVR window, which runs until August 30, 2026, to ensure their voices are heard in future elections.
“As the custodian of public grievances, I see firsthand how disengagement from the electoral process fuels unaccountable governance,” he said. “It’s time for our young people to rise, register, and hold leaders accountable. Your Voter ID is not just a card, it is your power.”
The CVR exercise allows eligible citizens aged 18 and above to register as new voters, update existing records, transfer polling units, or replace lost and damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The process begins with an online pre-registration via INEC’s portal, followed by in-person biometric capture at designated centers across the country.
Nigeria’s youth population, which makes up more than 60 percent of the voting age demographic, has historically recorded low turnout during elections. In the 2023 polls, INEC data showed that youth participation hovered around 25–30 percent, a figure Hon. Oche described as “far below expectation for a country with such a vibrant and youthful population.”
The Benue PCC Commissioner announced that his office will embark on a voter education and sensitization campaign to break barriers hindering registration, including apathy, misinformation, and logistical challenges in rural communities. The campaign will involve town hall meetings, social media engagements, and collaboration with youth organizations.
“By registering, our young people can elect leaders who will prioritize education, job creation, peace, and development. This is the only way to move from complaints to concrete change,” he added.
Hon Oche, who assumed office in October 2024, reaffirmed his commitment to leading the drive for youth participation, noting that active citizenship remains the bedrock of a responsive democracy.
