The Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mrs. Feyijimi Ibiyemi has advised Nigerians to embrace the ongoing voter registration  in the country and avoid vote buying during elections. She also  called on citizens to get their Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs and stay engaged in the electoral process.

Speaking at the weekend during a Voters’ Education Summit in Ilese, she  warned Nigerians against selling their votes, saying the ballot remains the strongest tool to demand accountability from leaders.

The summit, organized by the Ilese Development Council with the theme: “Register Today: Decide Tomorrow – Empowering Ilese and Her Environs Towards Political Participation,” drew community leaders, electoral officials, security agencies, youth groups, women, and other stakeholders.

“The vote is your power to enforce and demand good governance. Do not mortgage your future by selling your vote. Choose leaders based on competence, integrity and their commitment to serving the people” she said

Also speaking, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, Kunle Kalejaye, urged the people to avoid the temptation of selling their votes during elections. He also joined the INEC representative in calling out qualified citizens to actively participate in the voter registration exercise currently going on in the country.

“Voting is a civic responsibility that remains the most effective means of electing credible leaders and holding public office holders accountable,” he said.

“Voter registration remains the foundation of democratic governance. I urge all eligible Nigerians to register, collect their PVCs, and participate actively in elections,” he said.

Participants were also sensitized on voter registration procedures, PVC safety, and the dangers of vote-buying, electoral violence, and other forms of malpractice.

The summit ended with a pledge by community leaders to mobilize more eligible residents across Ilese and neighbouring communities to register, collect their PVCs, and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy through informed participation.