Baskadia

PRESS RELEASE

CALABAR, Nigeria — July 18, 2026 — The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Cross River State Chapter, has intensified its public campaign encouraging all eligible residents to register to vote before the conclusion of Nigeria's Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, describing broad voter participation as fundamental to strengthening democratic governance ahead of the country's 2027 General Elections.

Speaking at a press conference held at the famous Ernest Etim Bassey Press

Centre in Calabar, the Chairman of IPAC, Cross River State, Engr. Effiom Edet Okon, said the initiative is a non-partisan civic engagement campaign aimed at increasing voter participation across the state.

"Democracy begins with voter registration. No Voter's Card, No Voice. No Registration, No Participation," Okon said. "The right to vote begins with the decision to register, and every eligible citizen should seize this opportunity to be part of shaping the future of our democracy."

Okon said IPAC is working in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), registered political parties, civil society organizations, youth and women's groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, and other community stakeholders across Cross River State's 18 Local Government Areas to mobilize eligible citizens before the registration exercise ends.

According to the council, the campaign seeks to promote civic responsibility, voter education, peaceful political participation, and public confidence in Nigeria's electoral process.

IPAC said early public response to the campaign has been encouraging and announced a target of helping to mobilize at least 2.5 million votes during the 2027 General Elections through sustained voter education, grassroots advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.

The council appealed to parents, community leaders, religious institutions, educational organizations, youth groups, political parties, and civil society organizations to encourage all eligible but unregistered residents to complete their voter registration before the deadline established by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

IPAC also acknowledged the support of Cross River State Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, commending his administration's commitment to democratic inclusion and civic engagement. The council specifically thanked the governor for providing an operational vehicle to strengthen IPAC's voter education and outreach activities throughout the state.

Reaffirming its commitment to peaceful elections, political tolerance, issue-based campaigns, and democratic accountability, the council said active citizen participation remains one of the strongest foundations of credible elections.

"Every Permanent Voter's Card is a weapon against political apathy. Every registered voter is a defender of democracy, and every vote has the power to shape the destiny of Cross River State," the council said in a statement.

IPAC urged eligible citizens not only to register but also to encourage family members, friends, colleagues, and neighbors to participate in the electoral process.

The council expressed confidence that increased voter registration and higher voter turnout would contribute to stronger democratic institutions, greater public confidence in elections, and more inclusive governance in Cross River State and Nigeria.

About IPAC

The Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) is Nigeria's umbrella body of registered political parties. The council promotes democratic governance, electoral integrity, political dialogue, peaceful coexistence among political parties, and collaboration with electoral institutions and other stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria's democracy.

Office of the Chairman

Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC)

Cross River State Chapter

Calabar, Nigeria

@Ettah Emmanuel O.

@NaijaBlaseTv