By Amara Ehia, Abakaliki
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ebonyi State chapter, has called on residents of the state to begin preparations ahead of the 2027 general elections by obtaining and updating their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
The cleric said active participation in the electoral process remains the only way citizens can elect credible leaders and avoid the emergence of unsuitable candidates.
Speaking on the forthcoming elections, the CAN chairman stressed that voting remains the constitutional right and civic responsibility of every adult, urging Christians and other eligible voters not to remain indifferent to the political process.
According to him, those whose PVCs have expired should immediately visit the appropriate offices to update and correct their details to enable them participate fully in the elections.
He warned that voter apathy often results in the election of wrong leaders, noting that citizens who fail to vote lose the moral right to complain about poor governance.
The cleric said Ebonyi people must elect leaders capable of sustaining the developmental strides currently being witnessed in the state, adding that peaceful and credible elections would further strengthen democracy and stability.
He also advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency and fairness during the elections, stressing that votes must count to restore public confidence in the electoral process.
According to him, many Nigerians have become discouraged from voting because election outcomes sometimes fail to reflect the actual wishes of the electorate.
The CAN chairman urged the electoral umpire not to allow itself to be manipulated by politicians, insisting that election officials must discharge their duties with integrity and professionalism.
He further called on INEC to ensure that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) functions effectively during the polls, particularly in the areas of accreditation and electronic transmission of results.
On political campaigns, the cleric advised political parties and candidates to avoid bitterness, violence, and divisive rhetoric, urging them instead to focus on issue-based campaigns capable of convincing voters.
He said politics should not be treated as a do-or-die affair, noting that aspirants who fail to win elections should accept the outcome in good faith and continue contributing positively to society.
The CAN chairman maintained that Ebonyi State needs leaders with clear vision, economic ideas, and the capacity to unite the people irrespective of political affiliation.
He commended the efforts of the current administration in the state and urged future leaders to build on existing developmental foundations for the benefit of the people.
The cleric further stressed the need to elect competent representatives who would effectively articulate the interests of Ebonyi people at the national level and contribute meaningfully to the growth and reputation of the state.
He urged all eligible voters to prepare ahead of the elections and participate actively in shaping the future of the country through responsible voting.
