By PETER ANOSIKE

A chieftain of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nelson Ahamefula Akuma, has appealed to Nigerians to go out and get their voters cards and also participate in elections.

Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission began the voter registration exercise on August 18, 2025.

Reacting to the commencement of the exercise, the Ebonyi State-born businessman and politician said that Nigerians should do away with the mindset that vote does not count in elections and because of that refuse to participate in the democratic process.

According to him, when you refuse to participate in the elections, what you are doing is helping the incumbent to remain in power.

He said that the change that most Nigerians are yearning for could only come when people go and get their voters cards and also vote during elections.

Speaking further, he assured Nigerians that what happened in 2023 would not happen in 2027, adding that the political space has changed drastically.

“Registration is a very important step in ensuring that your voice is heard in the electoral process. So refusing to exercise your civic responsibility is not a protest, rather it Is a surrender. You simply want the government that you are not happy about to continue in office. But by registrating to vote and voting you will be able to contribute your own part in shaping the future of our nation and electing leaders who will represent your interest.”

According to him, there is no way a government that is seeking increment of salaries of political office holders, while most Nigerians are going to bed without food should be allowed to remain in office.

However, he said that the only way that would be possible is if people go for their voter registration exercises and also vote during elections.

Speaking further, he said that voter apathy only helps the government in power and not the challengers.

He said that more than 65 per cent of the Nigerian population are youths under the age of 35, adding that the future of Nigeria is in the hands of the youths but they have refused to step up and take back their country.

“Nigerian youths can make or unmake the country because they are more in number. They cannot just be complaining of hardship, unemployment, insecurity and other vices while they have the capacity to turn the tide. Politics is about numbers and they have it on their side so I am appealing to them to take their destiny in their own hands. We have gone beyond rhetorics. It is now the time for action and the action starts by you first of all going to get your voters card. Apathy or refusing to vote is very dangerous.

The youths must use their large numbers to bring about positive political change in the country.”

He said that political nihilism or not being interested in politics is not helping the youths, adding that they should try to stay informed about current events, policies, and political processes.

He advised that youths should always hold leaders accountable by demanding performance, transparency and accountability on a periodic basis, from their elected representatives.

“Registration of voters card has being made simple that you can even do it from your own house. For example those who lost their permanent voters card can apply for replacement online and for a defaced PVC you can also apply for replacement online. Transfer of PVC can also be done online .It is only those who have never registered for the first time or those who just attained the voting age that requires biometrics that is fingerprints and facials at the local government offices. So it is very easy for anybody to do and from personal experience all the online measures have reduced congestion or crowd at the local government because, I have visited many of them. So I am appealing to Nigerians, most especially the youths to make sure that they register for their voters’ card and to also go and vote during elections because there is no way they can hold their leaders accountable when they did not participate in the voting exercise,” Akuma said.