IDC holds voters’ education summit to boost political participation in Ilese

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Ilese Development Council (IDC) has intensified efforts to promote civic responsibility and strengthen grassroots democracy with the organisation of a Voters’ Education Summit aimed at encouraging greater political participation among residents of Ilese and neighbouring communities.

The summit, held on Saturday, was themed “Register Today: Decide Tomorrow – Empowering Ilese and Her Environs Towards Political Participation.” It brought together community leaders, officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, youth and women’s groups, as well as other critical stakeholders to educate citizens on the importance of voter registration and active participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Speaking at the event, the Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, represented by the Head of Department (Operations), INEC, Mr. Joseph Omotiloye, stressed that voter registration remains the bedrock of democratic governance.

He urged all eligible Nigerians who have yet to register as voters to do so without delay, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and ensure they participate actively in elections.

According to the INEC representative, democracy can only thrive when citizens exercise their constitutional rights by voting for leaders of their choice, adding that every eligible voter has a responsibility to contribute to shaping the nation’s future through the ballot.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the Ilese Development Council, Asiwaju Kunle Kalejaye, described the ballot as one of the most powerful instruments available to citizens for influencing governance and determining the future of their communities.

He encouraged residents to take advantage of every electoral process by registering as voters and participating in elections, noting that voting remains the most effective means of electing credible leaders and holding elected public officials accountable.

Kalejaye also condemned the growing practice of vote buying, describing it as a major threat to democracy and good governance.

He urged citizens not to exchange their votes for money or other material inducements, warning that such actions ultimately undermine the people’s collective interest and weaken democratic institutions.

“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 Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, CP Bode Ojajuni, represented by the Area Commander of the Nigeria Police Force, Ijebu Area Command, ACP Yusuf A. Wasiu, assured residents of the police’s readiness to provide adequate security before, during and after elections.

He urged members of the public to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process and not allow fear, intimidation or threats to prevent them from exercising their constitutional right to vote.

The police representative reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professionalism and impartiality, assuring that officers would protect voters, electoral officials and election materials while maintaining law and order during elections.

Participants at the summit also received practical education on voter registration procedures, the importance of collecting and safeguarding their Permanent Voter Cards, and the need to reject electoral violence, vote buying and other forms of electoral malpractice.

The interactive session further encouraged residents to become ambassadors of voter education within their communities by mobilising eligible citizens to register, obtain their PVCs and participate responsibly in future elections.

The summit ended with a collective commitment by community leaders, stakeholders and participants to sustain voter education campaigns across Ilese and surrounding communities, with the shared goal of increasing political participation, promoting peaceful elections and strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions through informed and responsible civic engagement.