In a bid to deepen democratic participation and encourage greater civic engagement among citizens, the Ilese Development Council (IDC) has organised a Voters’ Education Summit aimed at mobilising eligible residents across Ilese and neighbouring communities to actively participate in Nigeria’s electoral process.
The summit, themed “Register Today: Decide Tomorrow – Empowering Ilese and Her Environs Towards Political Participation,” brought together electoral officials, security agencies, traditional and community leaders, youth groups, women organisations and other stakeholders to discuss the importance of voter registration, civic responsibility and democratic accountability.
The event focused on addressing voter apathy, promoting voter education and encouraging citizens to take ownership of the democratic process through active participation in elections.
Speaking at the summit, the Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, represented by the Head of Operations, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Joseph Omotiloye, described voter registration as the first and most critical step in democratic participation.
She urged all eligible Nigerians who are yet to register to take advantage of voter registration opportunities and ensure they obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
According to her, meaningful participation in governance begins with registration and voting.
“Democracy thrives when citizens actively participate in the electoral process. Every eligible voter must register, collect their PVC and make their voice count during elections,” the REC stated.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Ilese Development Council, Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaye, described voting as one of the most powerful tools available to citizens for influencing governance and determining the future direction of their communities.
He noted that political participation goes beyond elections, stressing that citizens must remain engaged in governance by demanding accountability and responsible leadership from elected officials.
“The ballot remains one of the strongest instruments available to citizens for shaping the future of their communities and the nation. The vote is your power to enforce and demand good governance,” Kalejaye said.
The IDC chairman also cautioned residents against vote buying and other forms of electoral inducement, warning that the practice continues to undermine democracy and weaken the quality of governance.
“Do not mortgage your future by selling your vote. Choose leaders based on competence, integrity and their commitment to serving the people. When citizens exchange their votes for temporary benefits, they sacrifice their long-term development and prosperity,” he added.
Also speaking at the summit, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, represented by the Area Commander, Nigeria Police Force, Ijebu Area Command, ACP Yusuf A. Wasiu, assured participants of the commitment of security agencies to maintaining law and order before, during and after elections.
He urged residents not to allow fear, intimidation or threats to prevent them from exercising their constitutional rights, assuring that the police would continue to provide adequate security for voters, electoral officials and election materials.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to conducting its duties professionally and impartially. Citizens should participate peacefully in the electoral process with confidence that security agencies will continue to protect lives, property and democratic institutions,” he said.
Participants at the summit received practical enlightenment on voter registration procedures, PVC collection processes, electoral guidelines and the importance of protecting their voter cards.
They were also sensitised on the dangers of electoral violence, political intolerance, misinformation and other practices capable of undermining free, fair and credible elections.
Stakeholders at the gathering stressed that strengthening democracy requires collective responsibility from citizens, community leaders, political actors, electoral institutions and security agencies.
The summit concluded with a renewed commitment by participants to intensify voter mobilisation efforts across Ilese and surrounding communities, encourage eligible residents to register and collect their PVCs, reject vote buying and promote peaceful participation in future elections.
Observers described the initiative as a timely intervention aimed at building a more politically conscious and engaged citizenry, particularly at the grassroots level where voter turnout and civic participation remain critical to the success of Nigeria’s democracy.
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