KINGSLEY EBERE
The Igbonine Great People’s Assembly Worldwide has called on Igbos and all Nigerians to get their Permanent Voter Cards and be prepared to decide the future of the country through the ballot, urging citizens to vote according to their conscience and not under pressure.
The group made the call in a statement signed by its National President, Dr. Ugochukwu Nnajiofor, and released to newsmen in Enugu on Friday.
According to the Assembly, the Permanent Voter Card is the most powerful tool citizens have to protect their communities and demand good governance from elected leaders.
The group said it was targeting community leaders, families, market associations, and young people across Nigeria, stressing that voter registration and collection should not be treated as a routine political exercise.
The Assembly is a socio-cultural organization with members across Nigeria and in the diaspora, and says it is focused on unity, development, and civic responsibility among Igbos.
“Your PVC is Your Power,” the statement read. “Every citizen who is 18 and older is encouraged to visit their local INEC center. Whether you need to register for the first time, transfer your voting center after moving, or simply pick up an old card sitting on a shelf, now is the time.”
Dr. Nnajiofor told the Assembly that the 2027 general elections would determine the direction of the country for the next four years, and that staying away from the process would amount to surrendering the future to those who do not have the interest of the people at heart.
He urged voters to reject money politics, intimidation, and empty promises from politicians.
“Vote Your Mind, No Matter What,” he said. “The Assembly urges everyone to say no to money politics, intimidation, and false promises. Real change only happens when people vote out of conviction, not pressure or fear.”
The Igbonine leader also charged traditional rulers, town union executives, youth leaders, and market associations to take responsibility at the grassroots. He said they should mobilize their people, check on neighbours, and ensure that no eligible voter is left behind in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise by INEC.
“Leave No One Behind,” the statement added. “Local leaders, youth networks, and market associations are asked to step up, check in on their neighbors, and help ensure everyone in the community gets registered and ready.”
Speaking further, Dr. Nnajiofor said voting should be seen beyond party politics. According to him, it is about security, education, healthcare, jobs, and the kind of Nigeria that children will inherit.
“Our strength has always been in our unity and our resilience,” he said. “Getting your voter card isn’t just a political chore—it’s how we protect our families, build our local communities, and ensure our kids inherit a better Nigeria. Stand tall and vote your conscience.”
The Assembly said it would be working with civil society groups to carry out voter education and sensitization across Igbo-speaking states and other parts of the country in the coming months.
INEC had earlier announced the continuation of voter registration ahead of the 2027 elections, with centers open in all 774 local government areas. Citizens can also transfer, update, or collect previously registered PVCs at designated centers.
Political observers say civil society and cultural groups are expected to play a bigger role in voter mobilization ahead of 2027, as apathy and vote-buying remain major concerns in previous elections.