The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Niger State, and the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, have advised residents to participate in the local council elections scheduled for Saturday, November 1, 2025.

According to a statement made available to newsmen in Minna, Bishop Yohanna emphasised the importance of voter turnout and observed that voter apathy could undermine the democratic process.

He urged all registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs) from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices, as the elections approach.

“The 2025 local government elections are just around the corner. I appeal to those who have not yet collected their PVCs to do so quickly to avoid unnecessary last-minute rushes that could lead to regrets,” he noted.

The bishop also called on Christian faithful to actively engage in the electoral process, saying that voting is a civic right and responsibility.

“I urge all residents to participate in the November 1st chairmanship and councillorship elections. It is crucial that we, as a community, determine who leads us at the local and grassroots levels,” he said.

Dr Dauwa urged Christians to be fully involved in politics, either by joining political parties or by making informed voting choices. “To prevent voter apathy, let us come out and elect the individuals we trust will serve our communities well,” he added.

Bishop Yohanna, however, appealed to political parties to nominate candidates who are committed to providing essential services and addressing the needs of the populace.

The bishop further advised leaders at both state and local government levels, as well as Church heads, to encourage their congregations to participate in the electoral process and to dismiss discouraging remarks suggesting that “votes do not count.”

He equally enjoined security agencies to fulfil their duties diligently, and implored the people of Niger State to maintain peace throughout the electoral period to prevent any breakdown of law and order. He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to promptly publish and announce the locations of PVC collection centres to facilitate access for those who registered online.

Meanwhile, the All Progressive Congress (APC), Niger State Chapter, has flagged off its campaign for the local council elections.

Performing the official flag-off in Minna over the weekend, Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago urged the electorates to come out in large numbers to vote for APC candidates.

Bago noted that he wished the party emerges victorious in all the 25 chairmanship and 274 councillorship elections.

The governor praised party members across the state for their commitment and unwavering support for his leadership and that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, appealing for ongoing support for the party.

He said, “The federal government and Niger State government are partnering to ensure the insecurity challenges confronting the state and Nigeria are overcome in no distant time to enhance peace, stability and development”.