“You’re Lagging Behind” – El-Rufai Calls on Igbos to Take Voter Registration Seriously

Former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has called on residents of Nigeria’s South-East region to take the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise seriously, stressing that civic participation is essential to strengthening democracy.

Speaking at an event in Imo State on Saturday, El-Rufai expressed concern over low voter registration figures in the region. He made a specific appeal to Igbo women — mothers, daughters, and sisters — to lead the charge in mobilizing their families and communities.

“Because the governance of our country today is democratic, we elect our leaders – we don’t select them, we don’t appoint them,” El-Rufai said. “Voting is important. Registering to vote is a civic duty. This is not a political imperative — it is a civil responsibility that every citizen must take seriously.”

Citing recent data from the national voter registry, the former governor noted that the South-East, including Imo State, is currently lagging behind other regions in the number of new voter registrations.

“I want to appeal to you, our mothers, sisters, and daughters: please take this up,” he urged. “Encourage our children who are 16 years and above — and will be 18 by the next elections — to register now. This is how we build influence and ensure our voices are heard.”

El-Rufai emphasized that registering to vote should not be viewed through a political lens, but as a fundamental civic right and obligation in a democratic society.