Cross River Govt, INEC, NIMC Partner Universities to Boost Voter Registration

By Linus Obogo

The Cross River State Government, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and key institutions of higher learning in the State have forged a strategic partnership aimed at increasing voter registration and strengthening democratic participation among young people.

The collaboration was the focus of a joint courtesy visit by representatives of INEC, NIMC, the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), the University of Calabar (UNICAL), and the University of Education and Entrepreneurship, Akamkpa, to the Governor’s Office in Calabar.

Speaking during the meeting, Governor Bassey Edet Otu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, emphasized the need to deepen democratic participation by expanding voter enrollment, particularly among students and young people.

Governor Otu noted that voter registration figures remained below expectations despite the State’s large population and electoral potential, stressing that increased participation in the electoral process was essential for development and good governance.

According to him, the initiative transcends partisan politics and is aimed at strengthening democracy through active citizen engagement.

“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.

The Governor called for effective collaboration among the participating institutions and urged them to establish direct communication channels that would facilitate the mobilization of students and university communities for voter registration exercises.

He assured the delegation of government’s support for initiatives that promote civic responsibility and democratic development in the state.

Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Cross River State, Prof. Gabriel Yomere, commended the State government and the participating institutions for embracing the partnership.

Prof. Yomere expressed concern over the low voter registration and participation rates among young people and university communities, describing the situation as a challenge that requires deliberate intervention.

“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. With the cooperation we have seen here today, we are optimistic that significant progress can be made,” he said.

The REC noted that INEC was committed to working closely with educational institutions and other stakeholders to ensure that eligible citizens, particularly students, are registered and empowered to participate in the electoral process.

Representing the Vice Chancellor of the University of Cross River State, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, who spoke on behalf of the tertiary institutions, pledged the institutions’ commitment to the initiative, noting that with this advocacy and enlightenment, the student population will be willing to participate in the registration process.

He assured the gathering that the universities would mobilize students and members of their communities to take advantage of voter registration opportunities and actively participate in the exercise.

The meeting also explored ways of leveraging the collaboration between INEC and NIMC to simplify access to voter registration and identity management services, particularly within tertiary institutions.