Increasing the number of registered voters would strengthen democratic participation, improve Cross River’s political relevance
By Cletus Asuquo
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Published on July 20, 2026
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2 min read
The Inter-Party Advisory Council in Cross River State has set a target of at least 2.5 million votes for the state in the 2027 general elections, urging eligible residents to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise before it ends.
The State Chairman of IPAC, Edet Okon, disclosed this on Friday while responding to questions from journalists after a press conference in Calabar. He said the target was achievable through sustained voter mobilisation across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Okon said the council had been working with the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, civil society organisations, youth and women groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders to encourage eligible residents to register for their Permanent Voter Cards.
According to him, increasing the number of registered voters would strengthen democratic participation, improve Cross River’s political relevance and ensure that more citizens have a say in choosing their leaders.
He urged parents to encourage their children who had attained voting age to register, while calling on youths, community leaders, religious organisations and political parties to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the close of the registration exercise.
“No voter’s card, no voice. No registration, no participation. Democracy begins with voter registration,” he said.
The IPAC chairman also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for its handling of the registration exercise and appealed to eligible residents who were yet to register not to wait until the last minute.
Okon further appreciated Governor Bassey Otu for what he described as the administration’s support for democratic institutions, citing the provision of an operational vehicle and a furnished secretariat for the council, as well as its engagement with registered political parties in the state.
He reaffirmed the council’s commitment to promoting peaceful politics, voter education, political tolerance and issue-based campaigns, expressing optimism that Cross River could emerge as one of Nigeria’s strongest voting states in the 2027 general elections.
