Voters Registration: South East Must Take The Bull By The Horns - By Mike Ukoha

When Plato, the great philosopher, hinted that "Democracy is about voting and it is about a majority vote, stressing that it is time that we started exercising the democratic process", it appears that he was indeed, referring to people of the Southeast. Plato saw the importance of people directly engaging in an electioneering process as such would make the people's choices clear and their voices to be heard. It therefore means that without actively engaging and participating in the processes leading to elections proper, an individual or individuals must have committed a great disservice against himself as he has placed himself in a disadvantaged situation.

In Nigeria, elections are conducted every four (4) years, allowing for qualified individuals to vie for various positions as stipulated by the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Ahead of the 2027 general election, the process has since commenced by INEC, with the Continuous Voter's Registration on the front burner. The Commission had announced that the Continuous Voter's Registration (CVR), is taking place at 811 centres nationwide, including all 774 Local Government Areas offices and state offices, operating from 9am to 3pm, Monday through Friday.

According to INEC, so far, the South East has the least registered number of voters since the commencement of the voter registration exercise on the 18th of August, 2025. This is not cheering news at all. The democratic process that Plato emphasized is not being adhered to if we do not engage in it as it should be done. As voters, we have an onerous task on our shoulders to help in defining the kind of future we wish to aspire to. Who is a voter? A voter is a person who has the right to participate in an election

process. In Nigeria, a voter is a citizen who is 18 years old and above and duly registered, whose names and details are in the register of voters. In effect, anyone who can exercise the right to vote is a voter. It is important that you are a voter.

There is a need for the people of Southeast geo-political zone to shun all forms of things that would put them in a disadvantaged situation by actively engaging in the ongoing INEC voters registration. Ndigbo can not be complaining of political marginalization, whereas we are our own problem. All over the world, politics is a game of numbers and only those groups, bodies, or regions who are visible and actively involved in the political process that can boast of the majority as a bait for development.

For a region to demonstrate their love, commitment, loyalty, and patriotism to our nation, it must be viewed to have been aligned within the electoral processes and responsibilities. Such responsibilities are with regards to registering, voting during election, responsibility to conduct oneself in an orderly manner and responsibility to keep your Permanent Voter Card (PVC) safe.

Above all, the importance of voters registration and awareness can never be over-emphasized. One of its importance is that it gives you a say on important issues. For actively engaging in political processes, you can have a say on the need for infrastructural provisions in your area, such as roads, healthcare delivery, housing scheme, education, employment opportunities, and so on. It gives you the choice to vote for your local and national representatives. If you do not participate, others will set the pace in making the choice for you. If you do not register on time, you may not be able to vote. It is as simple as that. Also, the voter's card can equally serve as an identity card, which can be used in banking and other official documentation.

It is, therefore, time for us to take the bull by the horns. Ndigbo must not keep lagging behind when it comes to national assignments and a crucial matter such as this. Let us know that our vote is our power. Our vote is our voice. And the future of the South East depends on it.

However, there are indications that many people, especially those in the rural areas, are not aware and conversant with what is going on in our dear country, Nigeria. It therefore bears repeating that all hands must be on deck to sensitize the people, especially on a serious exercise such as the ongoing continuous voter's registration across the country.

The Civil Society Organizations, political office holders, and various stakeholders from the southeast region should, as a matter of urgency, take it upon themselves to reach out to the people about the ongoing exercise.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and other collaborative agencies should carry an aggressive enlightenment campaign to ensure that all adult suffrage is achieved. Also, the registration process and collection of voters' cards should be made less cumbersome.

Lastly, it is imperative for state governments in the Southeast to take the bull by the horns if we wish to witness a greater future for Ndigbo.

Therefore, all hands must be on deck in order to make the ongoing exercise worthwhile.

Ukoha is a former Minority Whip Abia State House of Assembly.