The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo says no fewer than 18,045 new voters registered between August and December 2025 in the state.

Oluwatoyin Babalola, Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), said this at a consultation meeting with leaders of political parties and members of civil society organisations (CSOs) on Tuesday in Akure.

Ms Babalola said the new voters registered were part of the first phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise which commenced on August 25 and would end on December 10.

The REC said 9,290 voters transferred their registrations within the state, while 2,353 corrections were processed during the period.

“Over 3,725 issues of lost or damaged Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were addressed while 1,838 uncollected PVCs were collected during the period,” she said.

Ms Babalola said the achievement was a manifestation of the commitment of all stakeholders for a peaceful, orderly, and successful registration process.

She, therefore, urged all political party leaders to intensify efforts on voters education and sensitisation.

“It is imperative to mobilise eligible youths and other citizens who have not yet registered to participate actively in the democratic process.

“Additionally, individuals who previously registered but have not yet collected their PVCs should be encouraged to do so.

“This will reinforce inclusive electoral participation and enhancing the legitimacy of our democratic institutions,” she said.

Ms Babalola, therefore, reiterated the commission’s continuous commitment to work with all political party leaders to ensure the success of various electoral activities in Nigeria.

She also commended the CSOs for their steadfast dedication, vigorous efforts in sensitising, mobilising, and educating citizens from the inception of the CVR to the conclusion of the first phase.

Adesanya Olaoluwa, state chairman, Inter Party Advisory Council, (IPAC), commended INEC for improvements to the CVR, calling for more participation of eligible voters to register their PVCs in the state.

Representatives of the PDP, APM, AAC, LP, YPP, AA, PRP NNPP, APP, SDP, Accord, ADC, APGA, Boot and ADP were present at the meeting.

(NAN)