Ogun INEC REC urges Nigerians to register, participate in future elections

Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, the Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, is a woman who has dedicated her career to ensuring the integrity of Nigeria's electoral process. As she urged eligible Nigerians to register as voters, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and actively participate in elections, it was clear that her appeal was not just a routine call to action, but a heartfelt plea to strengthen Nigeria's democracy. For her, sustained civic engagement is essential to the country's democratic growth. The stakes are high for her, and for millions of Nigerians who yearn for a more participatory and inclusive electoral process.

The Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, which Mrs. Ibiyemi urged Nigerians to take advantage of, has been a key component of INEC's efforts to increase voter participation in Nigeria. According to INEC's data, the CVR exercise has been ongoing since 2017, with over 10 million new voters registered across the country. In Ogun State, where Mrs. Ibiyemi serves as REC, the CVR exercise has been particularly successful, with over 200,000 new voters registered in the past two years alone. These numbers are evidence of the growing interest in the electoral process among Nigerians, and Mrs. Ibiyemi's appeal is likely to resonate with many who are eager to exercise their right to vote.

The voter education summit organised by the Ilese Development Council, where Mrs. Ibiyemi made her appeal, is a shining example of the culture of civic engagement that is taking root in Ogun State. The summit, which brought together community leaders, electoral officials, security agencies, youth and women groups, and other stakeholders, was a platform for promoting voter education and encouraging greater political participation. The theme of the summit, "Register Today: Decide Tomorrow, Empowering Ilese and Her Environs Towards Political Participation," captures the essence of Mrs. Ibiyemi's appeal, which is to empower Nigerians to take ownership of their electoral process.

Mrs. Ibiyemi's appeal is part of a broader industry movement towards civic engagement in Nigeria. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of civic education and voter participation in the country's democratic growth. This movement is being driven by a new generation of Nigerians who are eager to engage with the electoral process and hold their leaders accountable. As Mrs. Ibiyemi's appeal shows, civic engagement is no longer just a civic responsibility, but a key component of Nigeria's democratic growth. I predict that this movement will continue to gather momentum in the coming years, with more Nigerians taking an active role in shaping the country's electoral process.

As Mrs. Ibiyemi's appeal shows, the future of Nigeria's democracy is bright, but it is not without its challenges. The country still grapples with issues of voter apathy, electoral violence, and vote buying, which threaten to undermine the integrity of the electoral process. However, with a new generation of Nigerians who are eager to engage with the electoral process, I believe that the country is on the cusp of a new era of democratic governance. Mrs. Ibiyemi's appeal is a call to action, not just for Nigerians, but for all stakeholders who are committed to strengthening the country's democracy. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize civic education, voter participation, and electoral integrity to ensure that Nigeria's democracy continues to grow and thrive.

In the coming months, I expect to see a significant increase in voter registration and participation in Ogun State and across Nigeria. The Ogun INEC REC's appeal has struck a chord with many Nigerians, and I believe that this momentum will continue to build in the coming years. As we move forward, it is essential that we prioritize civic education, voter participation, and electoral integrity to ensure that Nigeria's democracy continues to grow and thrive.