We are in a critical juncture in our democratic journey with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officially closing the Continuous Voter Registration window on July 26. And I wish to urgently call upon all well-meaning Nigerians, and most especially the resilient people of Oyo State, to fully utilise these remaining few days to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). It is absolutely sacrosanct that every eligible citizen is not only willing but structurally prepared to exercise their franchise. The ability to peacefully choose our leaders through the ballot is one of the most profound beauties of democracy—a fundamental human right and a civic privilege that millions around the world in oppressive regimes still lack. We must never take this sacred opportunity for granted.
 
Beyond the mechanical act of dropping a ballot into a box on election day, voter registration is the foundational step in deepening our democratic institutions and strengthening our collective engagement as a sovereign country. The ultimate height of our democratic aspirations will always be defined by the quality of intentionality and consciousness we deposit into our electioneering activities. If we truly desire a state characterised by progressive governance, robust infrastructure, and economic prosperity, we must be deeply and aggressively interested in the political process. We must participate actively, scrutinise our options, and ensure that only the absolute best, most intellectually equipped, and most compassionate among us are elected to serve the masses.
 
As we approach this July 26 deadline, it is particularly crucial that we deliberately engage our would-be first-time voters—the bright young minds born in 2008 who have just attained the constitutional voting age of eighteen. To this bright generation, I say this: you are truly important, and your voice matters immensely in the architectural design of our shared future. One of the most breathtaking equalisers of our democratic system is that your single vote carries the exact same weight and institutional power as the vote of someone who has been participating in elections for decades. You hold the power to shape the trajectory of Oyo State and Nigeria, and stepping out to secure your PVC is the very first step in claiming your rightful seat at the table of governance.
 
To our new voters, I strongly admonish you to approach the upcoming elections not with emotional spontaneity, but with absolute certainty for your future. Without bias, you must critically examine the socio-economic indices that protect your future aspirations, your right to quality education, and your pathways to employment. Take the time to read about our political history, analyse what is presently playing out across the country, and identify which political party has consistently shown a verifiable, ideological commitment to taking care of your demography. Your PVC is your voice; use it to align with the progressive forces that possess a structured blueprint for youth empowerment and national industrialisation.
 
Above all else, robust citizen participation in an electoral process builds solid democratic credibility and elevates our nation's ranking among the comity of civilised nations. This is not the time for political apathy, and absolutely nobody should be sitting on the fence waiting for others to decide their fate. We owe this great country, our beloved Oyo State, and our respective local districts the absolute duty to be intimately involved in the democratic processes that catalyse societal development. We must be involved, we must be intentional, and we must march to the registration centers before July 26 to ensure that when the time comes to chart our collective destiny, our voices will be undeniably heard.
 
~ Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Former Oyo State Governorship Aspirant
APC… PROGRESS!
AKK! Aseyori ni tiwa
AKK!! Ajọṣe, Ajoje
AKK!!! A Task That Must Be Done.
Thursday, July 23 2026.