The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for Enugu East Senatorial District, Hon. Jeph Afam Ogbodo, has urged citizens across Enugu East, Enugu State, and Nigeria to take advantage of the ongoing Permanent Voter Card (PVC) registration and voter information update exercise being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Ogbodo described participation in the exercise as a vital civic responsibility and a key step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that the nation’s democratic future depends on citizens exercising their constitutional right to vote.
His appeal follows a week-long voter education campaign that featured community outreach programmes, social media engagements, and radio advocacy across Enugu State.
According to him, the PVC is more than just a card; it is a powerful tool through which citizens elect their leaders, demand accountability, and shape the future of their communities, states, and the country.
He specifically encouraged youths, first-time voters, women, and all eligible residents aged 18 and above to register and obtain their voter cards, warning against political apathy.
“No generation in Enugu East, Enugu State, or anywhere in Nigeria should surrender its power by remaining silent while the window for registration remains open,” he said.
Ogbodo noted that voter apathy continues to undermine democratic institutions and slow national development, emphasizing that meaningful progress can only be achieved when citizens actively participate in the electoral process.
He urged those yet to register to do so promptly and advised voters seeking corrections, transfers, or updates to their registration details to take advantage of the ongoing INEC exercise before the deadline.
According to him, procrastination could result in disenfranchisement, stressing that every vote remains a crucial building block in shaping the Nigeria citizens desire.
The senatorial hopeful also called on traditional rulers, community leaders, religious institutions, youth groups, market associations, and civil society organisations to intensify voter awareness campaigns and encourage registration within their communities.
He maintained that sustainable change begins at the grassroots when citizens remind one another of their civic responsibilities and actively engage in the democratic process.
“The registration exercise is the foundation of accountable leadership and credible representation because leaders can only answer to a people who first show up to choose them,” he stated.
Reaffirming his commitment to deepening political participation, Ogbodo declared that “the silence is over” and urged Nigerians to take ownership of their future through active civic engagement.
He concluded by calling on all eligible citizens to obtain their PVCs, protect their votes, and contribute to building a better future for their communities, states, and the nation.
“For a country endowed with enormous potential, the journey to progress begins when every eligible citizen walks into an INEC registration centre and claims the power that already belongs to them,” he said.
