2027: Ohanaeze mobilises Igbos in Akwa Ibom for mass PVC registration

Tony Okoh, Uyo

President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Kaycee Chidiadi, has strongly advised Ndigbo residing across the 31 local government areas of the state to actively participate in the ongoing voter registration exercise and ensure they obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He made this call during the first expanded Executive and Stakeholders’ Meeting of the year, held yesterday at the Ohanaeze Secretariat, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The President emphasized that the PVC remains the most vital instrument for every citizen to exercise their constitutional right to vote, be voted for, and shape the future of the nation.

According to him, “As the 2027 elections approach, this is a crucial time for Ndigbo living in Akwa Ibom State to be fully prepared and politically empowered, as this will help restore the dignity and respect of Ndigbo in the state.”

He enumerated the benefits of possessing a voter’s card, noting that it also serves as a means of identification and enables holders to benefit from several government programmes such as elderly monthly stipends, grants, and other social interventions.

In his words, “It has been observed in recent weeks that Ndigbo are recording very low turnout in the ongoing voter registration process in the state.”

Expressing deep concern over this trend, the President urgently called on all eligible citizens—particularly Igbo indigenes aged 18 years and above—to come out en masse and get registered.

He informed stakeholders that anyone experiencing challenges during the registration process should promptly contact the Chairmen/Presidents of their respective chapters, any member of the Ohanaeze Executive in the state, or the State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo for swift intervention.

He further appealed to leaders and stakeholders to make themselves available to provide guidance and assistance, ensuring that no eligible voter of Igbo origin is excluded.

The President reiterated that participation in the democratic process begins with voter registration and urged all sons and daughters of Ndigbo to take this call seriously—for their future, the development of Akwa Ibom State in particular, and the nation at large.

He also announced that the State Executive Council of Ohanaeze Ndigbo would embark on sensitisation visits across the 31 local government areas to ensure adequate coverage, adding that three committees had been constituted for the three senatorial districts to effectively carry out the assignment.

Additionally, the President used the opportunity to inform Ndigbo that the promise-keeping Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, had graciously redeemed his financial promise made during the Igbo Unity Day celebration held on November 15, 2025.

He assured that Ndigbo in Akwa Ibom State would reciprocate the Governor’s benevolence at the appropriate time.

Other speakers at the meeting included the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Technical Matters, Engr. Charles Okorie, who advised Ndigbo to leverage the inclusive and benevolent leadership of Governor Umo Eno to further solidify their long-standing record as the most populous non-indigenous ethnic group in Akwa Ibom State.

He urged Ndigbo to reciprocate the cordial relationship between the Akwa Ibom State Government and Ndigbo through consistent support for the progress of the state.

Also speaking, QS Ochemba Lee M, Director at CLAD Construction Nig. Ltd and Contract Administration & Procurement Manager of JDP Construction Nig. Ltd—the contractor handling the remodelling and construction of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly Complex—commended the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in the state.

He advised Ndigbo to regard Governor Umo Eno as a bridge-builder and dependable ally, who has provided a conducive environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

In his remarks, Hon. Emmanuel Ogbole, SSA to the Governor on Non-Indigenes, stressed the need for Ndigbo to participate in the ongoing APC e-registration exercise.

Responding, the Ohanaeze President assured the SSA and other stakeholders of the timely and effective dissemination of the information to all chapters, noting that time is of the essence.

He appealed to the leadership of the APC to allow ample time for more Igbos in the state to formally register, as information was reaching many potential registrants late.

Traditional rulers Eze CYC Umeakuka and Eze Udo Barth Okpala were among dignitaries who eulogised the milestones recorded so far by Governor Umo Eno’s administration and called for sustained support to ensure the success of his government.

The well-attended meeting had in attendance members of the State Executive Council, the 31 Local Government Chapter Chairmen, Women’s Wing Executives, Youth Wing Executives, Patrons, Elders (Ndi Eze), and other key stakeholders.