Leader of PRP calls on citizens to enroll before July 26 cutoff date

Yakubu Kingsley, the presidential aspirant of the Peoples Redemption Party for the 2027 general elections, is calling on eligible Nigerians to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise, warning that failing to do so will prevent them from casting their votes in the upcoming elections.

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Kingsley's appeal was made in a communiqué issued on Thursday, following an emergency meeting of the YMK Nigeria Project Movement's leadership, where he expressed concern over the low number of eligible Nigerians registering despite the extension of the exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

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The Independent National Electoral Commission had extended the registration exercise by two weeks, with the new deadline set for Sunday, July 26, 2026, a move that Kingsley commended, while also noting that many Nigerians had yet to take advantage of the opportunity.

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Kingsley stated that if the current situation persists, it could result in millions of qualified citizens being denied their constitutional right to vote in the 2027 General Elections, emphasizing the importance of registration in the democratic process.

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The remaining days of the registration exercise are "a defining moment in Nigeria's democratic journey," according to Kingsley, who urged eligible Nigerians to register and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards before the deadline, as voting begins with registration.

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Without registering, Kingsley emphasized, there can be no Permanent Voter Card, and without a Permanent Voter Card, there can be no vote, highlighting the crucial role of registration in the electoral process.

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Kingsley, who is challenging the outcome of the PRP presidential primary held on May 25 that produced former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke as the party's presidential candidate, stressed that the future of Nigeria should not be left in the hands of a few voters while millions of eligible citizens remain unregistered.

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He called on various groups, including youths who have recently turned 18, women, students, artisans, professionals, farmers, traders, and persons with disabilities, to visit the nearest INEC registration centers before the exercise closes, to ensure their participation in the electoral process.

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Kingsley described the Permanent Voter Card as "the democratic instrument through which citizens peacefully determine the quality of leadership that governs them," and "the voice of the people expressed through lawful democratic means," emphasizing its significance in the democratic process.

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According to Kingsley, Nigeria's numerous challenges, including unemployment, inflation, poverty, insecurity, and poor public services, should encourage greater participation in the electoral process, rather than political apathy, as the solution to these challenges lies in peaceful democratic participation.

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Kingsley emphasized that Nigerians must use the ballot to elect competent, visionary, transparent, and patriotic leaders who genuinely place national interest above personal ambition, rather than resorting to violence, hatred, or despair.

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He also urged political stakeholders to conduct their activities peacefully and avoid inflammatory rhetoric as preparations for the 2027 general elections gain momentum, to ensure a peaceful and democratic process.

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Kingsley appealed to all eligible Nigerians who have not yet registered to take advantage of the opportunity, stressing that participation in the electoral process begins with voter registration, and that it is essential not to let this opportunity slip by.