A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nelson Ahamefula Akuma, has called on Nigerians to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise and the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commenced nationwide voter registration on August 18, 2025. Reacting to the development, Akuma, an Ebonyi-born businessman and politician, urged citizens to discard the notion that votes do not count, stressing that voter apathy only benefits incumbents.
“When you refuse to participate in elections, you are helping those in power to remain there,” he said. “The change Nigerians desire can only happen when people register and vote. Refusing to exercise your civic duty is not a protest; it is a surrender.”
Akuma noted that political awareness has increased since the 2023 elections and expressed optimism that Nigerians’ votes will have greater impact in 2027. He criticized government policies that prioritize salary increases for political office holders while many citizens struggle with hunger, insisting that such governance should not be allowed to continue unchallenged.
He emphasized that Nigerian youths who make up over 65% of the population and are under 35 hold the power to transform the country through active political participation.
“Youths cannot continue to complain about hardship, unemployment and insecurity while failing to take action,” he said. “Politics is about numbers, and the youths have it on their side. It’s time to move beyond rhetoric. The first step is to register and vote. Apathy is dangerous.”
Akuma urged young people to stay informed on policies and political developments while demanding transparency and accountability from elected officials. He also highlighted the simplified process of voter registration introduced by INEC, noting that online platforms now allow for the replacement or transfer of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), significantly reducing congestion at local government offices.
“For first-time registrants or those who just attained voting age, biometrics must be done physically at the local government offices, but every other process is available online,” he explained. “I am appealing to Nigerians, especially the youths, to register and vote. You cannot hold leaders accountable if you refuse to participate in elections.”
Akuma maintained that widespread participation by Nigerians, particularly youths, is essential for shaping the country’s future and bringing about meaningful political change.
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