In Nigeria, the voters’ registration exercise is an integral part of the electoral process. It is an exercise conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) where eligible citizens are enrolled to participate in the democratic process by voting in elections. The ultimate goal of voters’ registration, no doubt, is to enhance the credibility, integrity and transparency of the electoral process by creating an accurate and reliable voters’ register.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections in the country, the Independent National Electoral Commission has, in line with its constitutional mandates, commenced registration of eligible voters across the country. The registration exercise is primarily aimed at registering young Nigerians who have now attained the age of 18 and above, as well as those who relocated from their previous state or local government area of residence to a new place.
Speaking at an enlarged meeting of leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the ward, local government, and state levels, which was held recently at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba, Delta State, Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori urged members of the party in the state to intensify efforts in mobilising eligible voters, particularly those yet to be registered, to participate in the ongoing voters’ registration exercise by the INEC.
Governor Oborevwori emphasised that all citizens who attained the age of 18 since the last registration in 2022 should be encouraged to register to exercise their franchise in the 2027 general elections. He explained that the meeting was convened to further strengthen the bond of unity among party stakeholders, stressing that with a united front, the APC was poised for victory at all levels.
The Governor assured of his synergy with President Bola Tinubu for the collective good of the state and the nation, even as he applauded the commitment of APC leaders at the ward, local government and state levels to the growth and development of the party.
“With unity in our party, no other political party can defeat the APC. We are performing well at the federal level, and we are equally doing well here in the state. The issue of voter registration is very important, and we must take it seriously. From the ward level, ensure that those who could not register before are captured this time,” the Governor said.
In his remarks at the meeting, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor reminded elected and appointed members of the party of their duty to return to their wards and local governments to mobilise registrants. He noted that working as a team remained the surest way to advance the “Renewed Hope for More Agenda.”
Earlier in his remarks, the State Chairman of the party, Elder Omeni Sobotie, who underscored the importance of unity, urged members of the party to continue to work together to enhance the electoral fortunes of the party in future elections in the state.
Also speaking, a stakeholder of the party, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, appealed to aggrieved members to bury their differences and work in unity for the growth of the APC and the overall development of the state.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the State Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Valentine Onojeghuo, said the gathering was primarily convened to consolidate party unity and raise awareness for the ongoing voters’ registration exercise.
He stressed that unity and loyalty were indispensable for the party’s success in the 2027 polls, saying, “Our first and most important takeaway from this meeting is the unity of the party because without unity, there can be no loyalty. The second is ensuring that all eligible young people turning 18 are captured in the ongoing voters’ registration exercise. Once this is done, the 2027 general elections will be a walkover for our party.”
In another development, the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Delta State Branch, has expressed confidence that the future of healthcare delivery in the state remains bright under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The Association, led by its Chairman, Dr. Israel Adaigho, stated this during a courtesy visit to the Governor at Government House, Asaba.
Dr. Adaigho lauded Governor Oborevwori’s government for what he described as massive achievements and excellence in primary healthcare, the Contributory Health Scheme, improved maternal and child healthcare through the establishment of mobile clinics, and the strengthening of health institutions across the state.
He listed key strides to include: the establishment of the College of Health Technology, Ovrode; College of Medical Sciences, Southern Delta University, Ozoro; and the College of Nursing, Onicha-Uku, alongside the renovation of over 150 primary healthcare centres. He further highlighted the provision of hospital equipment such as MRI machines and 25 units of 4D ultrasound scanners, as well as Delta’s pioneering payment of medical residency training funds ahead of the Federal Government.
Beyond the health sector, Dr. Adaigho praised the Governor for critical infrastructural projects such as the completion of the Ughelli–Asaba Road dualisation project, the construction of flyovers in Effurun and Warri, and the clearance of backlog pension payments for state and local government retirees. While pledging the association’s continued partnership with the government, he also drew the attention of the state government to some challenges confronting health workers, including manpower shortages.
In his response, Governor Oborevwori commended the NMA for its role in safeguarding quality healthcare and for the sacrifices made by doctors and medical workers who continue to serve in Nigeria despite the lure of better opportunities overseas.
He listed some of his administration’s recent interventions, including the procurement of eight dialysis machines, three each for Asaba Specialist Hospital and Central Hospital, Warri, and two for DELSUTH, Oghara as well as three MRI machines, one for each senatorial district of the state, even as he re-emphasised the value of doctors serving at home, saying “our doctors should work in Nigeria and earn their respect than to go abroad and become care assistants.”
Oborevwori assured that his administration would look into the requests tabled by the association and reaffirmed his commitment to equipping Delta hospitals with medical facilities comparable to those in developed countries, even as he approved the release of a bus to the Association.
