Cross River Targets Six Million Voters In 2027 Registration Drive

The Cross River State government has launched a statewide campaign to mobilize six million eligible voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The initiative, part of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) sensitization drive, aims to boost civic participation and strengthen the state’s political influence nationally.

Speaking during a youth sensitization program in Calabar, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth Mobilization (South), Ekpo Okon Tete, said the campaign is designed to empower young people to take charge of the voter registration process. He explained that the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) is not only for elections but also serves as an important form of identification used for school admission, travel, and other official purposes.

Tete said the state’s goal of six million registered voters would enhance Cross River’s bargaining power in national politics. He urged youths across communities, schools, churches, and markets to register and mobilize others, stressing that “once you have the numbers, you have a stronger voice in national politics.”

He praised Governor Bassey Otu for his inclusive and youth-focused leadership, describing him as a transformative figure. Tete also advised young people to avoid being swayed by opposition parties, adding that the administration’s development efforts deserve continued public support.

The event, which drew over 200 youths from the seven local government areas in the southern senatorial district, also featured remarks from the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Affairs, Dunamis Archibong. He announced that Governor Otu had approved the creation of two voter registration support centers in each of the state’s 18 local government areas to make registration more accessible.

Archibong explained that the centers are open to all residents, regardless of party affiliation, and are managed by trained teams who assist with online pre-registration before applicants proceed to INEC offices for biometric capture.

He noted that the sensitization exercise, which began in the southern district, has expanded to the central zone and will soon reach the northern region. He expressed optimism that the six million target would be met, citing strong turnout in the areas covered so far.

The CVR campaign is part of Governor Otu’s “People First” agenda, which seeks to deepen civic engagement, enhance electoral readiness, and strengthen the political voice of Cross River State in national decision-making.