Stakeholders have urged youths and civic leaders to mobilise citizens to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in the 2027 general elections.
Newsmen reports that the stakeholders made the call at a Civic Literacy TownHall Workshop, titled: Youth Power, Our Voice: Enhancing Civic Literacy and Voter Participation in Lagos State.
The event, held at Ojo LGA, was organised by Springwell Development Initiative in partnership with Yiaga Africa with the support of National Endowment for Democracy.
Speaking at the event, Mrs Esther Emeh, the Public Relations Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Lagos State, called on community leaders to intensify voter mobilisation.
Emeh, urged religious leaders, market influencers and social media personalities to encourage voter registration and participation.
She likened the process to the Biblical story of Isaac digging wells, urging Nigerians to “keep digging” and remain persistent despite past frustrations with the electoral process.
According to her, INEC began Continuous Voter Registration on Aug. 25 and is currently in the second phase of the exercise.
Emeh said many registration centres were recording very low turnout, often with only two or three registrants daily.
She said civic leaders should use sermons, town halls, flyers, TikTok and other social media platforms to spread awareness about voter registration and participation.
The INEC spokesperson also urged stakeholders to promote peaceful elections and inclusive participation, especially for persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups.
Mr Michael Ogunsola, Lagos State Focal Person for Yiaga Africa, said civic education was critical to encouraging young voters to register and participate in elections.
Ogunsola noted that voter apathy and election malpractice had long affected the electoral system, but sustained advocacy could address the problem.
He said credibility, accountability and dedication by electoral officials were essential to restoring public trust in the electoral process.
Mrs Feyikemi Fabiyi-Omoniyi, the Executive Director of Springwell Development Initiative, described voter apathy as real but urged youths to overcome it by participating actively in elections.
Fabiyi-Omoniyi said young people must register, collect their PVCs and vote for credible candidates capable of delivering good governance.
Also speaking, Mrs Omolara Ogundare, Electoral Officer for Ojo Local Government Area, urged residents to take advantage of ongoing voter registration.
Ogundare said many registered voters often failed to collect their PVCs or turn out during elections.
She urged residents to register, collect their PVCs and participate in the Jan. 20, 2027 general elections.
Dr Oseni Kayode of Lagos State University said voting empowered citizens to choose leaders, influence government policies and strengthen democracy.
Kayode encouraged youths to reject the belief that their votes did not count and instead use elections to hold leaders accountable.
