CVR: Youths Must Register, Hold Leaders Accountable – Benue PCC’s Oche

The Public Complaints Commissioner (PCC) for Benue State, Hon. James Ogaba Oche, has called on Nigerian youths to take full advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasizing that voter registration is a vital step toward accountable governance.

Speaking on the importance of youth engagement in the democratic process, Hon. Oche described the Voter ID not just as a civic tool, but as a symbol of power and responsibility.

“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—which runs until August 30, 2026—allows eligible Nigerians aged 18 and above to register as new voters, update personal information, transfer their polling units, or replace lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The process begins with online pre-registration via INEC’s portal and concludes with biometric capture at designated physical centers.

Nigeria’s youth, who make up over 60% of the voting-age population, have consistently shown low turnout during elections. In the 2023 general elections, INEC data indicated that youth voter participation hovered around 25–30%, a figure Hon. Oche described as “unacceptable for a country with such a dynamic and energetic population.”

To address this, the PCC Benue office is set to launch a voter education and mobilization campaign targeting barriers such as apathy, misinformation, and logistical challenges—especially in rural areas. The initiative will feature town hall meetings, grassroots outreach, social media campaigns, and collaboration with local youth organizations.

“By registering, our young people can elect leaders who will prioritize education, employment, peace, and development,” Oche added. “This is how we move from mere complaints to real, lasting change.”

Appointed in October 2024, Hon. Oche reaffirmed his office’s commitment to promoting active citizenship and youth participation, calling it the cornerstone of a functional democracy.