The Cross River State Government has partnered with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and major tertiary institutions in the state to boost voter registration and strengthen democratic participation among residents, especially youths and students.
The partnership is expected to significantly increase voter registration across Cross River State and deepen democratic participation, especially among young people ahead of future elections.
The collaboration was formalised during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement held in Calabar, which brought together representatives from INEC, NIMC, the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), the University of Calabar (UNICAL), the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa, and the College of Health Technology.
Speaking at the meeting, held on Friday, Governor Bassey Otu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Owan Enoh, said the initiative was aimed at expanding voter enrolment across the state, with particular focus on students, young people, and women.
He noted that despite Cross River’s population size and electoral potential, voter registration levels remain below expectations, warning that low participation could weaken democratic governance and inclusive development.
According to him, the partnership is strictly non-partisan and designed to strengthen civic responsibility and democratic institutions.
“This is not about APC, PDP, or any political party. It is about development and the collective will of our people. We must encourage more citizens, especially young people, to take ownership of the democratic process by registering and participating in elections,” he said.
Governor Otu also urged stronger collaboration among stakeholders, calling for effective communication channels that would support mobilisation efforts within tertiary institutions and surrounding communities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to initiatives that promote civic engagement, transparency, and inclusive governance.
In his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Cross River State, Prof. Gabriel Yomere, commended the partnership, describing it as a timely intervention to address the challenge of low voter registration and turnout, particularly among young people.
He said INEC remained committed to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure eligible citizens are captured in the electoral process.
“Our concern generally is that the voting strength in our communities remains very low. Increasing voter registration is important not only politically but also for the overall development of our society,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Cross River State, Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, assured that tertiary institutions in the state would fully support the initiative through sustained awareness campaigns and voter education programmes.
He said universities would mobilise students and nearby communities to take advantage of the registration exercise.
The meeting also explored collaboration between INEC and NIMC to simplify voter registration and identity management processes within campuses, making it easier for eligible citizens to participate.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of Starlink internet kits, solar power generators, and solar panels to INEC by the state government to improve connectivity and power supply during the voter registration exercise across local government areas.
Receiving the items on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, the Head of ICT, Annethe Obehi, commended the state government for its support, describing it as significant to the success of the exercise.
Presenting the items, Prof. Owan Enoh said the intervention was deliberate to address challenges of poor internet connectivity and unstable power supply affecting registration efforts in parts of the state.
“We do not want INEC to go into this exercise and come back without a significant increase in new registrations. With these items, all concerns have been addressed. Let the numbers speak for themselves,” he said.