The Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, has urged eligible Nigerians to register as voters, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and actively participate in elections, stressing that sustained civic engagement is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

The appeal was made during a voter education summit organised by the Ilese Development Council (IDC) on Saturday in Ilese, Ogun State, to mobilise residents and neighbouring communities ahead of future elections.
The summit, themed “Register Today: Decide Tomorrow – Empowering Ilese and Her Environs Towards Political Participation,” brought together community leaders, electoral officials, security agencies, youth and women groups, and other stakeholders to promote voter education and encourage greater political participation.

Represented by the Head of Department (Operations), Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Joseph Omotiloye, the REC described voter registration as the foundation of democratic governance.
She urged all eligible Nigerians to take advantage of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, obtain their PVCs, and participate actively in elections to determine the country’s leadership.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the Ilese Development Council, Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaye, said the ballot remains one of the most powerful tools available to citizens to influence governance and shape the future of their communities.
He urged residents to view voting not only as a civic responsibility but also as an opportunity to elect credible leaders and hold public office holders accountable.

Kalejaye also warned against vote buying, describing it as a serious threat to democratic governance.
“The vote is your power to enforce and demand good governance. Do not mortgage your future by selling your vote. Choose leaders based on competence, integrity, and their commitment to serving the people,” he said.

Also speaking, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, represented by the Area Commander, Nigeria Police Force, Ijebu Area Command, ACP Yusuf A. Wasiu, assured residents of adequate security before, during, and after elections.
He urged voters not to be intimidated or discouraged from exercising their constitutional rights, assuring that the police would remain professional and impartial in protecting voters, electoral personnel, and election materials while maintaining law and order.

Participants at the summit were educated on voter registration procedures, the importance of safeguarding their PVCs, and the need to reject electoral violence, vote buying, and other forms of electoral malpractice.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment by community leaders and participants to mobilise eligible residents across Ilese and neighbouring communities to register as voters, collect their PVCs, and participate responsibly in elections as part of efforts to deepen Nigeria’s democratic process.