The Cross River State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and major tertiary institutions in the State to increase voter registration and strengthen democratic participation.
The collaboration was the focus of a high-level meeting held in Calabar, bringing together representatives of INEC, NIMC, the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), the University of Calabar (UNICAL and the University of Education and Entrepreneurship (UEE), Akamkpa and College of Health Technology.
Speaking during the engagement, the Governor of Cross River State, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. A. Owan Enoh, stressed the importance of expanding voter enrollment across the State, particularly among students, youths and women who constitute a significant segment of the population.
Governor Otu observed that despite Cross River State’s large population and enormous electoral potential, voter registration figures remain below expectations. He emphasized that greater participation in the electoral process is critical to achieving sustainable development, accountable governance, and a more inclusive democracy.
According to the Governor, the initiative is non-partisan and designed solely to strengthen democratic institutions by encouraging active citizenship and civic responsibilities.
“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 stated.
The Governor further called for stronger collaboration among all participating institutions and urged the establishment of direct communication channels that would facilitate effective mobilization of students and members of university communities for the ongoing voter registration exercise.
He reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote civic engagement, democratic development, and inclusive governance.
Earlier in his remarks, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Cross River State, Prof. Gabriel Yomere, commended the State Government and the participating institutions for embracing the partnership. He expressed concern over the low voter registration and voter turnout rates among young people and university communities, describing the trend as a challenge that requires deliberate and coordinated action.
“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 this cooperation we have seen here today, we are optimistic that significant progress can be made,” Prof. Yomere said.
The REC noted that INEC remains committed to working closely with educational institutions and relevant stakeholders to ensure that all eligible citizens, particularly students, are registered and empowered to participate actively in the democratic process.
Speaking on behalf of the tertiary institutions, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Cross River State, Prof. Thomas Ojikpong, who represented the Vice Chancellor, pledged the full support of the universities toward the initiative.
He expressed confidence that sustained advocacy, awareness campaigns, and voter education programmes would encourage students and members of university communities to participate actively in the voter registration exercise.
Prof. Ojikpong assured stakeholders that the institutions would mobilize their students and surrounding communities to take advantage of voter registration opportunities and contribute meaningfully to strengthening democracy in the state.
The meeting also explored practical ways of leveraging the collaboration between INEC and NIMC to simplify access to voter registration and identity management services within tertiary institutions, thereby making the process more accessible and convenient for eligible citizens.
The partnership is expected to significantly enhance voter registration rates across Cross River State and deepen democratic participation among young people ahead of future electoral activities.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of materials to INEC, the materials included, Starlink Internet Kits for the provision of faster internet connectivity with solar power generators and solar panels in all the LGAs.
Receiving the items on behalf of the Resident Electoral Commissioner, the Head of Department of ICT, Madam Annethe Obehi, thanked the Cross River State Government for such massive support.
Presenting the items, Prof A. Owan Enoh reiterated that “the presentation of these materials is very important to the government and INEC.”
“As a government, we do not want INEC to go into this exercise and come back without the significant increase in the numbers of new registrations. We have received complaints of lack of internet connectivity in some local government areas and lack of electricity and power supply affecting the staff during the exercise. So, the government is very deliberate now, with these items, all INEC concerns have been taken care of, therefore, let the numbers speak for themselves.”
SGS Media
12/06/2026
