Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Senator John Azu-Mbatah, has appealed to Ndigbo across the country who are of voting age to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) in order to participate in future elections.
In a viral video personally sent to Ikengaonline, Azu-Mbatah urged every eligible Igbo voter—particularly those who have just turned 18—to take the nationwide exercise seriously.
Ikengaonline had earlier reported that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on August 18, commenced the voter registration exercise, which is expected to end in August 2026.
Emphasizing the importance of voter participation, the Ohanaeze leader pleaded with Ndigbo not to shun the electoral process.
“I am calling upon Ndigbo wherever you are in Nigeria to quickly take advantage of the voter registration exercise going on right now. Please, go and get your voter’s card as quickly as possible,” he said.
Azu-Mbatah also appealed to the Federal Government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, to facilitate the return of peace in the South-East.
He argued that Kanu’s continued incarceration had no benefit to the government, stressing that his release was necessary to allow him access to medical treatment.
“Secondly, I would like to call upon the Federal Government of Nigeria to quickly release Nnamdi Kanu. The government has no serious advantage in keeping him. It is important that the government ensures his safety and welfare, and allows him to go for medical treatment as quickly as possible.
“The government must adopt a political solution to this situation. I do not believe that the government has any serious advantage in keeping him any further,” he added.
