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Ukorebi Esien | July 18, 2026
CALABAR –The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Cross River State has commended Governor Bassey Otu for what it described as his administration's commitment to inclusive governance and democratic participation, while unveiling an ambitious target of registering no fewer than 2.5 million voters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar, to round up it's intensive voter mobilisation campaign, the State Chairman of IPAC, Effiom Edet Okon, urged all eligible residents who are yet to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to seize the opportunity before the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise closes.
He stressed that voter registration remains the foundation of democracy, insisting that only registered voters can actively participate in shaping the nation's political future.
"Our message is simple and clear: no voter's card, no vote. No registration, no participation. Democracy begins with voter registration," he said.
The IPAC chairman disclosed that the council, in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders, had intensified grassroots mobilisation across the state to encourage eligible citizens to register.
"This is not merely a projection; it is a collective target that every stakeholder must work tirelessly to achieve. A higher voter population means a stronger democratic mandate, greater political relevance, increased national recognition and a louder voice for Cross River State in determining the future of Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the collective effort is aimed at ensuring Cross River records at least 2.5 million registered voters before the 2027 elections, a feat he said would strengthen the state's democratic mandate and political relevance at the national level.
He noted that a larger voter population would not only amplify the voice of Cross River in national affairs but also enhance its political influence in determining Nigeria's future.
The council called on parents, community leaders, religious institutions and political parties to mobilise eligible citizens, especially young people who have attained voting age, to register before the deadline.
The IPAC chairman also applauded Governor Otu for fostering an atmosphere of political inclusiveness, describing his administration as one that recognises all legally registered political parties as critical stakeholders in governance.
He particularly praised the governor for supporting the activities of the council, saying the administration's open-door policy has strengthened democratic engagement and enhanced the capacity of political parties to contribute meaningfully to governance.
According to him, democracy flourishes where there is dialogue rather than division, inclusion instead of exclusion, and cooperation instead of confrontation.
Reaffirming the council's commitment to constructive engagement with government, the IPAC chairman said the body would continue to promote peaceful politics, issue-based campaigns, political tolerance and credible elections across the state.
He also commended INEC officials for their dedication to the ongoing voter registration exercise and urged eligible residents not to wait until the last minute before registering.
"History will remember those who participated, not those who watched from the sidelines," he said, while encouraging citizens to register now and prepare to exercise their civic responsibility during the 2027 general elections.
Responding to questions on internal party leadership disputes, the IPAC chairman maintained that the council recognises only leaderships officially acknowledged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stressing that the electoral umpire remains the legitimate authority on such matters.
He further disclosed that the current Continuous Voter Registration exercise is expected to end on Sunday, July 26, urging all eligible residents to take advantage of the remaining days to register.
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