Register, reject vote buying, shape your future, IDC urges residents
By James Ogunnaike, Abeokuta
The Ilese Development Council (IDC) has called on eligible Nigerians to register as voters, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in elections as part of efforts to strengthen democratic governance.
The call was made on Saturday during a Voters’ Education Summit organised by the council in Ilese, in Ijebu North East local government area of Ogun State, with the theme, “Register Today: Decide Tomorrow – Empowering Ilese and Her Environs Towards Political Participation.”
The summit brought together community leaders, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, youth and women groups, as well as other stakeholders to promote voter registration and civic participation.
Speaking at the event, the Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, represented by the Head of Department (Operations), INEC, Mr. Joseph Omotiloye, described voter registration as the foundation of democracy.
She urged all eligible Nigerians to register, collect their PVCs and actively participate in elections, stressing that meaningful political participation begins with voter registration.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Ilese Development Council, Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaye, described the ballot as one of the most powerful tools available to citizens to determine the future of their communities and the nation.
He urged residents to take their civic responsibility seriously by participating in elections, saying voting remains the most effective means of electing credible leaders and holding elected officials accountable.
Kalejaye also cautioned against vote buying, describing the practice as a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, citizens must resist the temptation to exchange their votes for money or material benefits, warning that such actions undermine good governance and weaken democratic institutions.
“The vote is your power to enforce and demand good governance. Do not mortgage your future by selling your vote. Choose leaders based on competence, integrity and their commitment to serving the people,” he said.
Also speaking, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, represented by the Area Commander, Nigeria Police Force, Ijebu Area Command, ACP Yusuf Wasiu, assured residents of adequate security before, during and after elections.
He urged voters not to allow fear or intimidation to discourage them from exercising their constitutional rights, assuring that the police would remain professional and impartial throughout the electoral process.
“The Nigeria Police Force is fully prepared to protect voters, electoral officials and election materials while ensuring law and order. We encourage citizens to conduct themselves peacefully and confidently participate in the electoral process,” he said.
Participants were also educated on voter registration procedures, the importance of safeguarding their PVCs and the need to reject electoral violence and other forms of electoral malpractice.
The summit ended with a renewed commitment by community leaders and participants to mobilise eligible residents across Ilese and neighbouring communities to register as voters, collect their PVCs, reject vote buying and promote responsible political participation.