|By Simeon Eke
Enugu — A philanthropist and political stakeholder in Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, Chief Damian Rotechukwu Odo, has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for providing another opportunity for registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Odo made the commendation in a statement issued in Enugu on Monday, describing the opportunity as an important measure towards encouraging greater participation in the electoral process.
He said the collection of PVCs remained fundamental to the conduct of credible elections, as eligible voters must possess their cards to exercise their franchise.
The philanthropist, who served as Chairman of the Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship candidate in the recent local government election in Igboeze North, urged registered voters to take advantage of the opportunity provided by INEC.
He particularly appealed to youths and women to demonstrate greater interest in the electoral process by collecting their voter cards and participating actively in the forthcoming general elections.
According to him, the responsibility of electing credible leaders rests largely with the electorate, who must be prepared to exercise their constitutional rights through the ballot.
“I want to use this opportunity to advise all eligible voters especially youths and women to arm themselves with their voter cards in order to select candidate of their choice who will enthrone good governance and ensure quality of life for the people,” he said.
Odo described the PVC as an indispensable instrument for the democratic selection of leaders, stressing that meaningful political participation begins with the willingness of citizens to vote.
He maintained that voter participation was essential not only for determining the outcome of elections but also for strengthening accountability in governance.
The philanthropist said citizens who participated in the electoral process would be in a stronger position to assess the performance of elected officials and demand the fulfilment of their responsibilities to the people.
“If you vote in an election, you will have the moral right to assess the leaders whether they have done well or not. Infact, our collective massive voting will help make Nigeria great and shaped in the right direction,” Odo added.
He emphasised the need for Nigerians to recognise the importance of their votes in determining the quality of leadership at the local, state and national levels.
According to him, the collective participation of eligible voters would contribute to the emergence of leaders capable of promoting good governance, improving public welfare and advancing national development.
Odo urged the electorate not to underestimate the importance of individual votes, noting that widespread participation in elections remained a critical component of representative democracy.
He also encouraged community leaders and other stakeholders to sensitise eligible voters, particularly young people and women, to the importance of collecting their PVCs and exercising their voting rights.
The philanthropist further commended Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State for what he described as his purposeful leadership and commitment to the development of the state.
He described Mbah as a “visionary and outstanding leader”, expressing satisfaction with the manner in which the governor had been piloting the affairs of the state.
Odo urged the people of Enugu State to continue encouraging the governor in his efforts to improve the welfare of residents and advance development across the state.
He said sustained public support and cooperation were necessary to enable the administration to pursue programmes and policies aimed at improving the quality of life of the people.
The philanthropist also expressed appreciation to the people of Igboeze North Local Government Area for their overwhelming support for Dr Simon Onyekachi during the recent local government chairmanship election.
He thanked residents for rallying behind Onyekachi, whose emergence as chairman of the council he attributed to the confidence and support demonstrated by the electorate.
Odo called for continued cooperation among political stakeholders and residents of the local government area to promote unity, development and effective grassroots governance.
He reiterated that active electoral participation remained one of the most effective ways citizens could contribute to democratic development and influence the direction of governance in Nigeria
