As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) begins preparations for the 2019 general election with the continuous voters’ registration and distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs), a former Chief of Staff to Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Professor Adeolu Akande has said that it is important for the people of Oyo State to troop out en masse for the exercise.
The commission had informed Nigeria of its plan to start the registration this month.
According to Akande, who teaches political science at the Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, without the voters’ card, the electorate would not have the opportunity of electing those they consider competent and responsible to hold elective offices.
“It is imperative for our people to come out in large numbers for the exercise, particularly those who are just attaining the voting age of 18 years.
“Those who just attained the voting age should also be encouraged to go for the exercise. You may prefer a candidate for any position but if you don’t have the voter’s card, you would have lost the opportunity to choose the candidate of your choice”, he stated.
“Let us create time out of our schedule to participate in the exercise. We may not have the chance again until the next election,” Akande advised.
Akande noted that the acquisition of voter’s card is required for voting in all state and local government elections, adding that all elections at presidential, gubernatorial and legislative elections at state and federal levels require the voter’s card and that all expectations from these offices will have to be expressed in the choice of elected officers to these offices.
While urging the people to cooperate with the commission and its officials in all the processes leading to the smooth conduct of the registration exercise, he prayed that Oyo State would continue to witness progress and growth in all spheres.
