CALABAR – The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Cross River State chapter, has called on eligible residents across the state to turn out in large numbers for the final phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, warning that the opportunity to participate in the 2027 general elections begins with voter registration NEGROIDHAVEN can say.
The Council made the appeal during a press conference in Calabar, where it described the remaining days of the registration exercise as a critical period for citizens to secure their democratic rights.
Addressing journalists, the State Chairman of IPAC, Engr. Effiom Edet Okon, said the exercise transcends partisan politics and represents an opportunity for Cross Riverians to determine the future of the state through the ballot.
“The Continuous Voter Registration exercise is gradually coming to an end. The remaining days present a final opportunity for every eligible Cross Riverian to secure his or her place in history by registering to vote,” he said.
Okon stressed that voter registration remains the foundation of democratic participation, declaring that citizens who fail to register would effectively deny themselves the opportunity to influence leadership through elections.
“Our message is simple and clear: No Voter’s Card, No Voice. No Registration, No Participation. Democracy begins with voter registration,” he stated.
The IPAC chairman disclosed that the council had, over the past weeks, coordinated mobilisation efforts across the state’s 18 local government areas in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, youth and women groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations and other community stakeholders.
According to him, the collaborative campaign is aimed at ensuring that every eligible voter in the state is captured before the registration window closes.
He commended the response of residents to the exercise, describing it as encouraging, but urged those yet to register not to wait until the last minute.
Okon appealed to parents to encourage children who had attained voting age to register, while urging youths to mobilise their peers and community leaders to intensify awareness campaigns at the grassroots.
He also called on religious leaders to sensitise their congregations and traditional rulers to encourage eligible members of their communities to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
“Every eligible Cross Riverian must become an ambassador of voter registration,” he said.
The IPAC chairman noted that increased voter participation would strengthen democratic legitimacy, enhance the state’s political relevance and amplify its voice in national affairs.
He reiterated the council’s commitment to promoting peaceful politics, issue-based campaigns, voter education and political tolerance ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Okon further commended INEC and officials involved in the ongoing registration exercise for their commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process through an inclusive voter registration programme.
“As the registration exercise enters its final days, we urge every eligible citizen to act now. Do not wait until it is too late. Register today. Mobilise others tomorrow. Vote in 2027,” he said.
He added that history would remember citizens who actively participated in the democratic process rather than those who remained indifferent, expressing optimism that Cross River State would record one of its highest levels of voter participation in the next general elections.
