“Voter’s Card, Only Weapon To Chase Away APC in Oyo” – Accord Tells Oyo Residents

As the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, continues with registration of eligible voters nationwide, the people of Oyo State have been urged to take the ongoing exercise serious as that is the only weapon for “those who are not happy with the current administration” to vote out the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

This is just as the party is advising ‎the commission to decentralise the registration and take it to polling booths, where it will be convenient for people to register with ease.

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Accord, in a statement by its publicity secretary, Engr. Akeem Olatunji stated that‎ “Your registration is your power to vote your desired candidates and political party. Let us give it necessary attention now. This is an opportunity for those who are not happy with the current administration to be registered in order to vote out ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at all levels.”‎

‎The party, however, called on the residents of the state, who are yet to register, to come out en masse as the 2019 general elections beckon.

According to Accord,registering voters in just one centre in each of the 33 local government areas of the state can disenfranchise many people, “as the single designated venue across all the local governments in Nigeria can be too far away from the residents who live far apart from the local government headquarters.”

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The statement reads: “This would put additional burdens on those intending to register as most of the citizens are finding it difficult to feed, talk less of affording exorbitant transport fares.

“It is therefore imperative for INEC to find solution to the problem of single registration centre in each local councils. The polling booths across the wards are more closer and convenient for the people since democracy remains the government of the people and for the people.”

The party, therefore urged all citizens who did not register in the last exercise, especially those that have turned 18 years to come out en masse and register to vote and be voted for in the 2019 General Elections.

It added that “We enjoin INEC to remain neutral, independent and unbiased and allow all potential voters in the 33 local government areas in the state, irrespective of their political leaning, gender, tribe or religion to participate in the exercise,” adding that “INEC must avoid a repeat of the 2014 episode where majority of Oyo State citizens were disenfranchised. INEC should encourage easy registration for Permanent Voters Card (PVC) evenly across the zones in the state.”