INEC Begins Voter Registration: Igbo Community In Abuja Urged To Register – “It’s The Ballot, Not The Bullet”
The Igbo Community Association FCT (ICA FCT) is calling on all eligible Igbo residents in the Federal Capital Territory to register to vote in the upcoming elections. According to the 2006 National Population Census, the Igbo population in the FCT stands at approximately 1.2 million, representing about 18% of the territory’s total population. This significant demographic strength presents an opportunity for the Igbo community to shape the political landscape of Nigeria.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reopened its voters registration exercise, and the ICA FCT is urging all Igbo citizens to seize this opportunity to exercise their constitutional right.
In a statement, Engr Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, President General of ICA FCT, emphasized the importance of voter registration, saying, “In today’s democratic Nigeria, it’s the ballot, not the bullet, that matters. The demographic strength of the Igbo community in Abuja and across Nigeria is a powerful tool that must be leveraged to elect leaders who will represent our interests. We must move away from the politics of protest and embrace the politics of participation.”
The ICA FCT is urging all Igbo units in the FCT to identify registration locations and mobilize their members to register. “Our ogbunigwe (unity) today is our voting strength. The spirit of Igbo Kwenu is in our ability to elect our own leaders on our own terms,” Ellis-Ezenekwe said. He added that the association has established a voter registration committee to support the effort, with registration targets set for each local government area in the FCT.
The association is also calling on INEC to ensure that all registered voters are issued permanent voters cards and that their votes are protected and counted. “This is a constitutional right of every eligible voter who casts his or her vote,” Ellis-Ezenekwe emphasized.
Furthermore, the ICA FCT warns that the irregularities and electoral malpractices that marred the 2023 general elections will not be allowed or tolerated in 2027. “The people are more vigilant and ready today,” the statement read. “We will not sit idly by while our votes are stolen or manipulated.”
The ICA FCT also urged INEC to be more proactive in utilizing the huge amounts earmarked in the budget for election-related activities. “It’s time for INEC to justify the trust reposed in it by the Nigerian people,” the statement said. “We expect a more efficient and effective electoral process that reflects the will of the people.”
The ICA FCT is committed to promoting democratic participation and good governance in Nigeria. We urge all Igbo citizens in Abuja to register to vote and shape the future of our great nation.
