The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called on all eligible Nigerians to take part in the continuous voter registration exercise being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He urged Nigerians to overcome doubts about the value of their votes, stressing that voter apathy only empowers politicians who thrive on low turnout.
“Our votes count. If votes were useless, no one would attempt to buy them. Nigerians should understand that the real power lies in the ballot and not in money shared during elections,” Hayab stated.
The cleric also called on religious leaders across faiths to intensify sensitisation in congregations and communities, noting that faith-based platforms remain effective for mass mobilisation.
Hayab further appealed to INEC to bring registration centres closer to rural and hard-to-reach areas to ease the process for prospective voters.
This appeal is aimed at encouraging citizens to get their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as a key step towards active participation in the country’s electoral process.
The voter registration provides an opportunity for new voters who have turned 18, as well as those who were previously unable to register, to enroll.
INEC had announced that its online pre-registration portal opened on August 18, 2025, while physical registration commenced on August 25, 2025.
The exercise will run until August 30, 2026, across its 811 state and local government offices nationwide
It also allows existing registered voters to update their information or transfer their voter records to a new location.
INEC has made the process more accessible by introducing a pre-registration portal where citizens can begin the process online before completing their physical biometrics at a designated center.
The commission has stressed that the PVC is a vital tool for making one’s voice heard and shaping Nigeria’s democratic future.
