The Presidential Aspirant of Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) in the 2027 general elections, Engr. (Dr.) Yakubu Mohammed Kingsley (YMK)), has expressed serious concern over the low turnout of eligible Nigerians in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise being conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Kingsley raised the concern in a communique issued on Thursday at the end of an emergency meeting of the leadership of the YMK Nigeria Project Movement.
He lamented that despite a two-week extension of the exercise, many eligible Nigerians are relunctant to register ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
He said while INEC deserves commendation for extending the registration period, the response from many Nigerians has remained disappointingly low. It would be recalled that the commission said the extension will come to a close on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Kinsley, therefore, appealed to every eligible Nigerian to take advantage of the remaining days by registering and preparing to participate actively in determining the future of the nation.
“This situation, if allowed to continue, could deny millions of qualified citizens the constitutional right to vote during the 2027 General Elections. He described the remaining days of the exercise as “a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey.”
Kingsley, who is currently challenging the May 25 primary election of the party that produced former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Mr Donald Duke, as PRP’s presidential candidate, said the extension granted by INEC is a golden opportunity that must not be wasted.
“Every eligible Nigerian who truly desires positive change must understand that voting begins with registration. “Without registering, there can be no Permanent Voter Card (PVC), and without a Permanent Voter Card, there can be no vote,” he said.
He stressed that the future of Nigeria cannot be entrusted solely to a small percentage of the population while millions of eligible citizens remain on the sidelines. “Democracy flourishes only when citizens actively participate in the electoral process.
“The movement therefore calls on young Nigerians who have recently attained the age of 18, women, students, artisans, professionals, farmers, traders, persons living with disabilities and every eligible citizen who has not yet registered to visit the nearest registration centre immediately before the exercise closes.
“The YMK Nigeria Project reiterates that every vote is powerful, but that power can only be exercised by citizens who are duly registered. “The PVC is not merely a document. It is the democratic instrument through which citizens peacefully determine the quality of leadership that governs them. “It is the voice of the people expressed through lawful democratic means,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria continues to face enormous economic, security and governance challenges, including unemployment, inflation, poverty, insecurity, declining educational standards, inadequate healthcare services and widespread hardship.
According to him, these challenges should inspire greater participation in the democratic process rather than political apathy.
“The solution to many of our national challenges lies not in violence, hatred or despair, but in peaceful democratic participation. “Nigerians must use the ballot to elect competent, visionary, transparent and patriotic leaders who genuinely place national interest above personal ambition.
“The emergency meeting also reaffirmed the commitment of the YMK Nigeria Project to peaceful politics, issue-based campaigns, national unity, youth empowerment, social justice, institutional reforms and the principle of Nigeria First. “The movement appealed to all political stakeholders to continue conducting their activities peacefully, avoid inflammatory statements, reject every form of electoral violence and protect the unity and stability of Nigeria as preparations for the 2027 General Elections gather momentum.
“The YMK Nigeria Project remains firmly convinced that Nigeria possesses the human and natural resources required to become one of the world’s greatest nations under responsible, transparent and visionary leadership.
“However, that transformation can only begin when citizens perform their civic responsibility by registering to vote and participating fully in the electoral process.
“The movement therefore makes this final appeal to every eligible Nigerian: “Do not wait until it is too late. Do not allow this rare opportunity to pass you by.
“Visit the nearest INEC registration centre before the Continuous Voter Registration exercise closes on Sunday, 26th July, 2026. “Register today. Obtain your Permanent Voter Card. Prepare to vote.
Participate in shaping the future of Nigeria. “History has consistently shown that nations progress when responsible citizens actively participate in choosing credible leaders.
“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today. “Your Vote is Your Power. Your Permanent Voter Card is Your Democratic Weapon. “Register before the deadline. Vote for the Nigeria you deserve. Together, we shall build a new Nigeria,” Kingsley concluded.
