NDC presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, on Thursday paid unscheduled visits to two Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) voter registration centres in Anambra State, where he encouraged eligible Nigerians to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, describing it as the foundation of democratic governance.
Obi visited the INEC registration centres located at the Civic Centre in Nibo and Nrijiofor Primary School in Nri while travelling to attend previously scheduled engagements within the state.
Speaking after the visits, the former Anambra State governor expressed satisfaction with the level of participation he witnessed at both centres, commending the citizens who had come out to register as voters despite prevailing challenges.
According to him, the willingness of Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) demonstrates a growing commitment to democratic participation and the collective desire to shape the country’s future through the ballot box.
Obi stressed that the responsibility of building a better Nigeria does not begin on election day but starts with the simple yet significant act of voter registration.
He noted that every eligible Nigerian who registers to vote strengthens the nation’s democratic institutions and contributes to the emergence of accountable leadership.
“I was delighted to see Nigerians turning out to register to vote,” Obi said. “I took the opportunity to commend everyone who had made the effort to participate in the exercise and reminded them that the journey towards good governance begins long before election day.”
He described voter registration as both a civic duty and an investment in the future of Nigeria, urging citizens not to view the process as a mere administrative requirement but as an opportunity to influence the direction of governance in the country.
According to Obi, sustainable national development can only be achieved when citizens actively participate in democratic processes and elect leaders who are committed to transparency, accountability and national progress.
He therefore appealed to all Nigerians who are eligible to vote but have not yet completed their registration to do so without further delay before the exercise closes.
The former presidential candidate also encouraged those who had already registered to go beyond personal participation by mobilising others within their communities to take advantage of the ongoing exercise.
He urged registered voters to encourage family members, friends, neighbours, colleagues and other eligible persons to obtain their voter registration before the deadline announced by INEC.
Obi maintained that widespread participation in the voter registration exercise would help deepen democracy and strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
He emphasised that meaningful political change can only occur when citizens actively exercise their constitutional rights and responsibilities.
According to him, every additional voter registered represents another voice capable of influencing Nigeria’s democratic future and ensuring that governance reflects the collective aspirations of the people.
He further stated that increasing voter participation remains one of the most effective ways of promoting accountability in public office and encouraging leaders to remain responsive to the needs of citizens.
Obi reiterated his long-standing position that Nigeria possesses enormous potential for growth and development if democratic institutions are strengthened and citizens continue to play active roles in governance.
He said that the country’s future depends largely on the willingness of Nigerians to participate in the democratic process from voter registration through to election day.
The former governor also called on young Nigerians to seize the opportunity presented by the ongoing registration exercise, noting that the youth constitute a significant proportion of the country’s population and therefore have a critical role to play in determining Nigeria’s political and economic future.
He observed that active civic participation among young people would help promote good governance and accelerate national development.
Obi stressed that democracy thrives when citizens remain engaged beyond election campaigns and voting days, adding that participation in voter registration is one of the earliest and most important expressions of democratic responsibility.
He reaffirmed his belief that Nigeria can overcome its numerous political, economic and security challenges through responsible leadership supported by active citizen participation.
According to him, strengthening democratic institutions begins with ensuring that every eligible Nigerian has the opportunity to register and vote freely.
He concluded by expressing optimism about the country’s future, maintaining that with increased civic engagement, transparent elections and accountable leadership, Nigeria can achieve lasting peace, security and prosperity.
“Every registered voter strengthens our democracy and brings us one step closer to building the secure, united, productive and prosperous Nigeria we all desire,” Obi stated.
Reaffirming his enduring message of hope, he added: “A New Nigeria is Possible.”
