Kunle Kalejaye, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and chairman of the Ilese Development Council, has urged residents of Ilese and nearby communities in Ogun State to shun vote-buying and take part in elections. He spoke at a Voters’ Education Summit on Saturday organised by the council under the theme, “Register Today: Decide Tomorrow – Empowering Ilese and Her Environs Towards Political Participation.”
The senior lawyer told citizens to recognise the power of their votes and resist attempts to trade them for money or goods. He said, “The vote is your power to enforce and demand good governance. Do not mortgage your future by selling your vote. Choose leaders based on competence, integrity and their commitment to serving the people.
“Voting is a civic responsibility that remains the most effective means of electing credible leaders and holding public office holders accountable.”
Kalejaye also urged all eligible residents to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and take part in elections to shape their communities and the nation.
The summit gathered community leaders, electoral officials, security agencies, youth groups, women and other stakeholders to push voter registration and political participation. Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner Mrs Feyijimi Ibiyemi — represented by INEC’s Head of Operations in the state, Mr Joseph Omotiloye — stressed that voter registration is the foundation of democratic governance. Omotiloye urged all eligible Nigerians to register, collect their PVCs and participate actively in elections.
Ogun State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni — represented by Ijebu Area Commander ACP Yusuf Wasiu — promised adequate security before, during and after elections and asked citizens not to let fear stop them from voting.
Participants learned registration steps, how to safeguard PVCs and the need to reject vote-buying, violence and other electoral malpractice. The summit ended with community leaders renewing their pledge to mobilise residents to register, collect PVCs and boost Nigeria’s democracy through informed participation.
