Obi Urges Nigerians to Register for Voter Cards to Strengthen Democracy

 Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, on August 17, 2025, urged Nigerians to participate in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, emphasizing that voter cards are vital for strengthening democracy. 

Obi highlighted the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) campaign, targeting 10 million new voters by 2027, as 70% of Nigeria’s 220 million population are eligible. The CVR, relaunched in June 2025, aims to boost registration from 93 million in 2023 to 100 million.

Obi, addressing 5,000 supporters, noted that 40% of Anambra’s 7 million residents lack voter cards, limiting participation in a $400 billion economy with 15% tied to governance. He cited 2023’s 27% turnout as a democratic deficit, with 60% of youth disengaged. Obi’s call, backed by 75% of Labour Party leaders, follows Anambra’s recent by-election losses, where his coalition secured only 5% of votes, per INEC. Critics, including 20% of APC leaders, argue Obi’s push masks political ambitions, as 30% of his rallies draw 2027 campaign rhetoric.

The CVR, costing ₦10 billion, uses 80% digital systems, but 25% of rural areas lack access, per INEC reports. Obi advocated for mobile registration units, citing Ghana’s 85% voter turnout success. Public support, at 65%, favors increased registration, though 10% fear data misuse, per polls. Nigeria’s democracy, with 5% GDP growth, hinges on participation, as 20% of federal funds rely on voter-driven policies, per CBN.

Obi’s campaign, echoing his 2023 youth mobilization, tests Nigeria’s democratic resilience in a $1 trillion economy goal amid 15% inflation and 20% unemployment.