Former Kaduna State governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has raised concern over the low turnout of South-East residents in the ongoing voter registration exercise, warning that the region risks underrepresentation if the trend continues.
Speaking at the Egbu Diocese in Imo State, El-Rufai noted that states in the South-East, including Imo, have significantly fewer registered voters compared to other parts of the country. He described voter registration as a civic duty that citizens must take seriously for democracy to thrive.
El-Rufai, a member of the African Democratic Party (ADC) opposition coalition aiming to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, appealed to parents—especially mothers—to encourage children aged 16 and above to prepare for registration once eligible.
He also urged young people to prioritise obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as a key step in strengthening the region’s voice in national decision-making.
“The government of our country today is democratic. We elect our leaders; we don’t select or appoint them. Voting is very important, and registering to vote is not a political imperative but a civic duty which every citizen must take seriously,” El-Rufai said.
“Looking at the number of registered voters in Nigeria, the South-East—including Imo State—is lagging behind. I appeal to our mothers, sisters and daughters to mobilise our children, especially those who will be 18 by the next election cycle, to go out and register. It is very, very important,” he added.
