A presidential aspirant of the Peoples Redemption Party, Dr Yakubu Kingsley, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for extending the Continuous Voter Registration exercise.
Kingsley, who is seeking the PRP presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general elections, said the extension gives eligible Nigerians another opportunity to take part in the democratic process.
INEC extended the ongoing CVR exercise by two weeks, allowing eligible citizens to register until July 26.
Kingsley made the remarks in a statement issued on Thursday after an emergency meeting of the leadership of the YMK Nigeria Project Movement.
He urged Nigerians who have not yet registered to use the remaining days of the exercise wisely.
According to him, the extension represents an important moment in Nigeria’s democratic development.
Kingsley said citizens who desire positive change must understand that voting begins with voter registration.
He noted that without registration, citizens cannot obtain a Permanent Voter Card, and without a PVC, they cannot vote.
The PRP aspirant said Nigeria’s future should not be decided by only a small number of citizens while millions of eligible voters remain outside the electoral process.
He stressed that democracy becomes stronger when citizens actively participate in elections.
Kingsley said every vote has power, but that power can only be exercised by citizens who are properly registered.
He called on young Nigerians who recently turned 18 to visit the nearest INEC registration centre before the deadline.
He also appealed to women, students, artisans, professionals, farmers, traders, persons living with disabilities and all eligible citizens who have not registered to do so immediately.
According to him, the PVC is more than an identity document.
He described it as a democratic tool through which citizens peacefully determine the quality of leadership they want.
Kingsley said Nigeria’s challenges would not be solved through violence, hatred or despair, but through peaceful participation in democratic processes.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the YMK Nigeria Project to peaceful politics, issue-based campaigns, national unity and youth empowerment.
He also listed social justice, institutional reforms and the principle of putting Nigeria first as part of the movement’s core commitments.
The PRP aspirant urged political stakeholders to conduct their activities peacefully as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.
He advised politicians and supporters to avoid inflammatory statements, reject electoral violence and protect Nigeria’s unity and stability.
Kingsley appealed to eligible Nigerians not to wait until the registration window closes.
He urged them to visit the nearest INEC registration centre before the July 26 deadline.
According to him, citizens must register, obtain their PVCs and prepare to vote in order to shape Nigeria’s future.
He said history has shown that nations make progress when responsible citizens take part in choosing credible leaders.
Kingsley added that the future belongs to those who prepare for it, urging Nigerians to see their votes as their power and their PVCs as instruments of democratic change.
