The Ilese Development Council (IDC) has intensified efforts to boost civic participation by organising a Voters’ Education Summit to encourage eligible residents of Ilese and neighbouring communities to register, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and actively participate in elections.
The summit, held on Saturday with the theme “Register Today: Decide Tomorrow – Empowering Ilese and Her Environs Towards Political Participation”, brought together community leaders, electoral officials, security agencies, youth groups, women, and other stakeholders to promote democratic engagement ahead of future elections.
Representing the Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, the Head of Department (Operations) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Joseph Omotiloye, stressed that voter registration remains the bedrock of democratic governance.
He urged all eligible Nigerians who have yet to register to do so without delay, collect their PVCs, and make their votes count during elections.
According to him, meaningful participation in the electoral process begins with voter registration, noting that citizens can only influence governance when they exercise their constitutional right to vote.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Ilese Development Council, Kunle Kalejaye (SAN), described the ballot as one of the most effective instruments available to citizens for determining the future of their communities and the nation.
He called on residents to take their civic responsibilities seriously by participating in elections and electing leaders based on competence, integrity, and their commitment to public service.
Kalejaye also cautioned against vote buying, describing it as a dangerous practice that weakens democratic institutions and promotes poor governance.
“The vote is your power to enforce and demand good governance,” he said. “Do not mortgage your future by selling your vote. Choose leaders based on competence, integrity, and their commitment to serving the people.”
Also addressing participants, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, represented by the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, Ijebu Area Command, ACP Yusuf A. Wasiu, assured residents of adequate security throughout the electoral process.
He said the police would remain professional and impartial before, during, and after elections while ensuring the safety of voters, electoral officials, and election materials.
The police representative encouraged residents not to allow intimidation or fear to discourage them from exercising their constitutional right to vote, assuring them that security agencies would maintain law and order throughout the process.
Participants at the summit also received practical guidance on voter registration procedures, the importance of safeguarding their PVCs, and the need to reject electoral violence and other forms of electoral malpractice.
The programme ended with community leaders and participants pledging to mobilise more eligible residents across Ilese and surrounding communities to register as voters, collect their PVCs, reject vote buying, and contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy through informed and responsible political participation.
