As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) continues the distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) ahead of the crucial general 2027 elections, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has assured eligible voters that the polls’ outcome would be credible under a fee, fair and transparent contest.
Speaking against the backdrop of apathy demonstrated so far by greater percentage of the electorates in collecting their PVCs, the Akwa Ibom State Director of the agency, Mr. Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, said measures have been put in place to make every votes count, and appealed to residents of the State yet to collect their PVCs to do so as the nation inches towards the big contest early next year.
Mr. Mkpoutom made the appeal while sensitizing the youths and community leaders in Mkpat Enin local government area, where he encouraged eligible voters to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration and PVC collection exercises, to ensure they were ready to participate in the forthcoming elections.
He assured residents that their votes would count, urging them not to allow fear, doubt or misinformation to discourage them from exercising their civic responsibility, stressing that “voting remains an important way for citizens to participate in choosing their leaders and shaping the future of the State and the country.”
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The state director also demonstrated the correct voting procedure, explaining the importance of following electoral guidelines to ensure a smooth and orderly voting process.
He, therefore , urged voters to “listen to instructions from electoral officials, understand the voting procedure, and cast your ballots peacefully.”
Mr Mkpoutom further appealed to residents to maintain peace and order before, during, and after the elections and cautioned against violence, intimidation, hate speech, and any conduct capable of disrupting the electoral process, stressing that “elections should be an opportunity for citizens to express their choices freely and peacefully.”
Besides, he called on political parties, candidates and their supporters to encourage peaceful participation and respect the rights of other citizens, regardless of their political differences.
According to him, the commitment of all stakeholders to peace and responsible conduct was essential to ensuring a credible electoral process.
The state director urged residents to obtain accurate electoral information from the INEC, NOA and other appropriate authorities rather than relying on unverified information circulating on social media.
He reiterated NOA’s commitment to promoting civic awareness, responsible citizenship and peaceful participation in the electoral process, maintaining that the agency would continue to educate and enlighten the public on their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
