Fiery activist and lawyer Dele Farotimi has delivered a passionate call for political participation, warning Nigerians that staying away from the ballot box could hand leadership to “mushroom pickers” and opportunists.
Farotimi’s Call to Action
Addressing citizens on the state of the nation, Farotimi described the next election as a defining battle for Nigeria’s future, urging Nigerians to reject apathy, ethnic division and religious manipulation.
“The ruling class pretends we are in a democracy every four years,” he said. “So let us play our own part. Remember your PVC.”
Consequences of Voter Apathy
He lamented the poor voter turnout recorded in past elections, arguing that disengagement makes rigging, vote-buying and voter suppression easier for desperate politicians. Farotimi insisted that Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, hardship and political decay would continue unless citizens deliberately choose to engage with the democratic process.
Referencing the movement and the , he condemned what he described as the normalization of killings and the devaluation of human life in Nigeria. “If this country must change, it will happen because ordinary Nigerians decided enough is enough,” he declared.
Reconnect with Your PVC
In one of the strongest moments of his speech, Farotimi pleaded with citizens to reconnect with their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of future elections. “Those of you with an estranged relationship with your PVC, go and make up with it. Stop the quarrel,” he said.
