The World Igbo Congress (WIC), the apex organization of Ndi Igbo in the diaspora, has called on Nigerians to register and exercise their fundamental rights and responsibilities by voting in the upcoming 2027 general elections. This appeal was made following the recent Board of Directors Quarterly Meeting.
Call to Action
Dr. Festus Okere, Chairman of WIC, urged citizens to act promptly. "If you have not yet registered to vote, please do so as soon as possible to avoid missing the stated deadlines," he said. "Make your voice heard. For you to have freedom, you must participate in power by participating fully and actively in elections. It is a moral right and responsibility. Do not disenfranchise yourself by not registering and voting for those who can genuinely act and promote your interests."
Okere emphasized the decisive impact of voting: "Your vote certainly makes a decisive difference in fighting inequality, ethnic injustice, terrorism, poverty, etc. Register to vote for those who will fearlessly make best public policies for all. Relaunch yourselves into relevance. Register to vote to minimise your complaints after the elections of 2027. Actions must speak louder than voice this time around."
Why Voting Matters
According to Okere, voting is the most direct way to influence laws, policies, and leaders that affect daily life, political, economic, and social welfare. "If you do not register, you cannot vote. Primarily, those who vote will, in effect, be making decisions for you. You also lose the right to complain," he stated.
He outlined key benefits of voting:
- Choose representation: Registering lets you elect officials who reflect your values and hold them accountable.
- Protect rights and interests: Collective voting protects civil rights and advances issues important to you and your community.
- Shape the future: Elections determine long-term priorities such as climate, economy, and education that affect future generations.
- Strengthen democracy: Broader participation produces fairer, more stable government and reduces the influence of narrow special interests.
- Simple and effective: Registration and voting are effortless steps that give you real influence for relatively little effort.
The World Igbo Congress reiterated that every vote counts and encouraged all eligible Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process.
