The Chairman of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile, has issued a compelling call to action for Lagos residents to participate in the ongoing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise. Speaking at a high-level voter education sensitization programme, she emphasized that the Permanent Voter's Card (PVC) is far more than a piece of plastic; it is the ultimate key to accountability and governance.
Addressing the Democratic Deficit
Despite Lagos boasting a formidable base of 7.1 million registered voters—the highest in Nigeria—Justice Okikiolu-Ighile warned that a significant portion of the population remains on the sidelines. She highlighted specific groups that currently fall into this missing category, including first-time voters reaching the legal age, young people who have yet to engage with the process, and new residents who have recently relocated to the state.
“Every unregistered citizen is a silenced voice and a weakened foundation for our collective future. This gap is not just a statistic; it is a democratic deficit that must be addressed,” Okikiolu-Ighile stated.
Call to Action for Stakeholders
The Chairman urged stakeholders to take the Register-Collect-Vote (RCV) message into the heart of Lagos communities, including places of worship, schools, and workplaces. She stressed that collective efforts are needed to ensure every eligible voter is registered and empowered to participate in the democratic process.
Supporting this vision, LASIEC Commissioner Chief Akim Durojaiye Oluwo commended INEC's efforts in maintaining the CVR exercise as a cornerstone for the 2027 General Elections. He emphasized that a credible and inclusive process is the only way to ensure the democratic will of the people is reflected.
Building a Vibrant Democracy
The Permanent Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Abdul-Rafiu Omowole Fashola, reminded residents that a vibrant democracy is built by active participation rather than passive observation. “We must build a Lagos where every eligible voter is registered, every PVC is collected, and every vote is cast and counted. Let this programme be the spark that ignites a wave of civic campaign across the length and breadth of Lagos State,” Fashola said.
With the 2027 General Elections on the horizon, the call to action from LASIEC underscores the importance of voter registration in strengthening Nigeria's democratic foundation. Lagos residents are encouraged to seize the opportunity to register and make their voices heard.
