A presidential aspirant of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the 2027 general elections, Engr. (Dr.) Yakubu Mohammed Kingsley, has expressed concern over the low participation of eligible Nigerians in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Kingsley made the observation in a communiqué issued on Thursday after an emergency meeting of the leadership of the YMK Nigeria Project Movement, warning that despite INEC’s decision to extend the registration exercise by two weeks, many eligible citizens have yet to take advantage of the opportunity.

The electoral commission had extended the exercise until Sunday, July 26, 2026, to enable more Nigerians register ahead of the 2027 general elections.
While commending INEC for granting the extension, Kingsley described the public response as disappointing, saying the low turnout could deprive millions of qualified Nigerians of their constitutional right to vote.

He appealed to all eligible citizens to use the remaining days of the exercise to register and prepare to participate in determining the country’s future through the ballot.

According to him, the final days of the CVR exercise represent “a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
Kingsley, who is currently challenging the outcome of the PRP presidential primary held on May 25 that produced former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke as the party’s presidential candidate, described the extension as a rare opportunity that should not be wasted.

“Every eligible Nigerian who truly desires positive change must understand that voting begins with registration. Without registering, there can be no Permanent Voter Card (PVC), and without a Permanent Voter Card, there can be no vote,” he said.

He argued that Nigeria’s future should not be determined by only a fraction of the population while millions of eligible citizens remain outside the electoral process.

The PRP aspirant stressed that democracy can only thrive when citizens actively participate in elections and called on young Nigerians who have attained the age of 18, women, students, artisans, professionals, farmers, traders and persons living with disabilities to visit the nearest INEC registration centres before the deadline.

“The PVC is not merely a document. It is the democratic instrument through which citizens peacefully determine the quality of leadership that governs them. It is the voice of the people expressed through lawful democratic means,” he stated.

Kingsley further noted that Nigeria continues to grapple with economic hardship, unemployment, inflation, insecurity, poverty, declining educational standards and inadequate healthcare services, arguing that such challenges should motivate greater civic participation rather than political apathy.

He maintained that many of the country’s problems could be addressed through credible leadership elected by an informed and active electorate.

“The solution to many of our national challenges lies not in violence, hatred or despair, but in peaceful democratic participation. Nigerians must use the ballot to elect competent, visionary, transparent and patriotic leaders who genuinely place national interest above personal ambition,” he said.

The communiqué also reaffirmed the commitment of the YMK Nigeria Project Movement to peaceful politics, issue-based campaigns, youth empowerment, national unity, social justice and institutional reforms.

It urged political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, reject electoral violence and conduct their activities peacefully as preparations intensify for the 2027 general elections.

Kingsley expressed confidence that Nigeria possesses the human and natural resources required to achieve sustainable development under transparent and responsible leadership but stressed that meaningful change would only come through active participation in the democratic process.

He concluded by urging Nigerians not to wait until the registration exercise closes before obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards.

“Register today. Obtain your Permanent Voter Card. Prepare to vote. Participate in shaping the future of Nigeria. Your vote is your power, and your Permanent Voter Card is your democratic weapon,” he said.