By Dada Ahmed.
(C) Google.
As Kogi State moves gradually towards another governorship election in 2027, the focus has shifted to Continuous Voter Registration (CVR). For Egbiraland,the cultural and political base of the Egbira nation,securing the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) is not just a civic duty but a political necessity.
Egbiraland, located in Kogi Central Senatorial district, comprising Adavi, Okene, Okehi, OgoriMagongo and Ajaokuta Local Government Areas, has long been known for its strong political consciousness. In this district, elections are often won and lost by narrow or wide margins, this,making voter registration the bedrock of political participation.
Political scientists argue that voter registration is more than routine bureaucracy,it is the gateway to effective citizenship. Without a PVC, the right to vote, the power to choose leaders, and the ability to influence governance all remain out of reach.
This message was at the heart of a recent voter sensitization drive in Adavi LGA with active participation of Hon. Ismail Isah, Special Adviser on Media to the Kogi State Governor. Addressing a crowd of citizens, the governor’s aide described the PVC as the most powerful weapon in a democracy. “The power to choose our leaders and influence governance lies in our PVCs. This mobilization is a call to civic duty and an opportunity for every eligible citizen to make their voices heard,”he said.
The campaign drew prominent figures, including Hon. Joseph Salami and Hon. Nasiru Ekunu, who stressed that the drive was not only symbolic but also a deliberate push to awaken grassroots. The essence of this remark can be deduced from the political experience in Okene LGA, where voter turnout has historically shaped outcome of elections, especially in the district.
For young people of voting age in Egbiraland, CVR is a rite of passage into citizenship. Many of them see it as their first chance to influence policies on education, employment, and security and other germain issues that dominate daily life. Women, too, are seizing the opportunity to prove their mettle to demonstrate their political conscieness.The Adavi LGA Vice Chairman, Hon. Hawau Ekuku, affirmed this when she noted that the strong turnout of women reflects growing recognition of their political influence. By securing PVCs, she argued, women are taking concrete steps to shape decisions that affect their homes and communities.
Observers believe that the political dividends of robust voter registration, especially in Egbiraland cannot be overstated. They argue that a well-mobilized electorate strengthens the district’s bargaining power in state politics. Analysts also point out that such mobilization could prove decisive in future contests, including fast-tracking the potential re-election bid of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Beyond politics, CVR is also fostering unity. The turnout at Ogaminana Central Ward,where leaders, community influencers, and ordinary citizens gathered,was a visible expression of collective purpose. Far from deepening divisions, the exercise showcased a culture of enhanced political maturity.
By acting early, leaders in Kogi Central have demonstrated political foresight. Their proactive campaign reduces the last-minute rush that often contribute to disenfranchisement and voter apathy. It also eases the workload of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), which benefits from smoother logistics and more accurate voter data.
Civic education, such as that seen in Adavi, also strengthens democracy by reducing electoral malpractice. Citizens who understand the power of their PVCs are less likely to sell their votes or be swayed by manipulation. Stronger voter awareness translates into more credible elections, not just in Egbiraland but across Kogi State.
For politicians, an engaged electorate means heightened accountability,a development that reminds political leaders that their mandate comes from the people and that performance,not manipulation,is the key to re-election.
Ultimately, CVR in Egbiraland is not only about preparing for the next poll. It is about embedding a culture of sustained civic engagement, where every citizen has a voice and every vote counts.
The Adavi sensitization campaign is, therefore, more than a local initiative. It is a model for other local governments to copy, because the exercise represents democratic growth in Kogi State.
The optimism among the keen observers of Kogi political climate is that,if the Egbiras can fully harness the power of their PVCs, they will not only influence who governs them but also shape the policies that determine their future.
Indeed, in the ballot lies the destiny of Egbiraland.
Dada Ahmed is a journalist and publisher. He is also the Public Relations Officer, Kogi Central Think Tank Forum (KCTTF).
ahmeddada008@gmail.com.
