Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State, has urged residents of Nigeria’s South East region to prioritize the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise. Speaking at an event in Imo State on Saturday, El-Rufai emphasized the importance of voter registration, particularly among Igbo mothers, daughters, and young people eligible to vote.
El-Rufai noted that the country’s democratic system relies on elections to choose leaders, making voting a crucial civic duty. He stressed that registering to vote is not a political imperative, but a civil duty that citizens should take advantage of. The former governor expressed concern that the South East region, including Imo State, is lagging behind in the continuous voter registration exercise.
According to El-Rufai, the numbers from the last two weeks indicate that the region is trailing behind the rest of Nigeria in terms of voter registration. He appealed to the women in attendance to encourage their children aged 16 and above, who will be eligible to vote in two years, to register. El-Rufai reiterated that voter registration is essential for the region’s participation in the country’s democratic process.
The continuous voter registration exercise is a critical component of Nigeria’s electoral system, allowing citizens to register or update their voter information. The exercise is ongoing, and eligible citizens are encouraged to participate. El-Rufai’s appeal highlights the need for increased participation in the electoral process, particularly in regions with lower registration rates.
The call to action from the former governor comes as Nigeria prepares for future elections. The country’s electoral commission has been working to increase voter registration and participation, particularly among young people and marginalized communities. El-Rufai’s statement emphasizes the importance of civic engagement and participation in the democratic process, urging citizens to take advantage of the opportunity to register and exercise their right to vote.
