By Patrick Wemambu
Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Chairman of the Ilese Development Council, Kunle Kalejaye, has called on residents of Ilese and neighbouring communities in Ogun State to shun vote-buying and actively participate in the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a Voters’ Education Summit organised by the council, themed “Register Today: Decide Tomorrow – Empowering Ilese and Her Environs Towards Political Participation”, Kalejaye described the ballot as the most potent instrument for demanding good 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.
He urged citizens to recognise the power of their votes and resist attempts to exchange them for financial or material inducements. He also stressed the importance of voter registration, advising residents to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participate actively in elections to shape the future of their communities and the nation.
Representing the Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs. Feyijimi Ibiyemi, INEC’s Head of Operations, Mr. Joseph Omotiloye, reiterated that voter registration remains the foundation of democratic governance. He urged all eligible Nigerians to register, collect their PVCs, and participate actively in elections.
The summit brought together community leaders, electoral officials, security agencies, youth groups, women, and other stakeholders to promote voter registration and encourage greater political participation.
Participants were educated on registration procedures, the importance of safeguarding PVCs, and the need to reject vote-buying, electoral violence, and other forms of malpractice.
The event ended with a renewed commitment by community leaders and participants to mobilise eligible residents across Ilese and neighbouring communities to register, collect their PVCs, and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy through informed political participation.
