CALABAR – The Cross River State chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has declared its intention to mobilise no fewer than 2.5 million votes in the 2027 general elections, expressing confidence that the target is achievable through intensified voter registration and sustained grassroots mobilisation across the state.
The State Chairman of IPAC, Engr. Effiom Edet, made the declaration on Saturday during an interaction with journalists in Calabar while assessing the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise and discussing democratic participation ahead of the 2027 polls.
Edet said the council’s projection is based on the increasing level of public participation in the voter registration exercise and the collective efforts of political parties, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), civil society organisations, youth and women groups, traditional institutions and religious leaders.
According to him, the ongoing mobilisation campaign across the state’s 18 local government areas has continued to generate encouraging responses from eligible residents seeking to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
He described the Continuous Voter Registration exercise as a critical opportunity for eligible citizens who are yet to register to secure their voting rights before the next general election.
“Our message remains clear: without voter registration, there can be no participation in the democratic process. Every eligible citizen should take advantage of this exercise because democracy begins with registration,” Edet said.
The IPAC chairman called on parents, community leaders, traditional rulers, religious organisations, political parties, youth groups and other stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns at the grassroots level to ensure that all eligible voters register before the exercise concludes.
He noted that achieving the 2.5 million-vote target would not only strengthen democratic participation in Cross River State but also enhance the state’s national political relevance.
Edet stressed that every Permanent Voter Card represents a citizen’s constitutional right to participate in governance and should be viewed as an important tool for promoting accountability and discouraging voter apathy.
He urged residents not to remain indifferent to the electoral process, saying every vote contributes to determining the future direction of the state and the country.
The IPAC chairman also commended officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission for their commitment to the ongoing registration exercise, describing their efforts as essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process.
He emphasised that democracy can only flourish through dialogue, inclusiveness, cooperation and active citizen participation rather than political division and exclusion.
Edet further disclosed that IPAC would continue collaborating with the Cross River State Government and other stakeholders to promote democratic values, strengthen political institutions and encourage peaceful participation in the electoral process.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to issue-based campaigns, political tolerance, credible elections, voter education and peaceful political engagement as preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections.
IPAC Targets 2.5 Million Votes in Cross River Ahead of 2027 Elections, Urges Massive Voter Registration
