By Amah
Kindly share:
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has intensified its Permanent Voter Card (PVC) registration exercise, reminding citizens that possessing a PVC is the first step to participating meaningfully in the democratic process. Across the country, civil society groups and community leaders are taking innovative steps to ensure voters are engaged, informed, and empowered.
In Okigwe Zone, women have taken the lead through Operation Show Your PVC, an initiative aimed at mobilising female voters ahead of the upcoming elections. The event was organised by Ada Okigwe, led by Hon. Favour Nwelue, who has been at the forefront of grassroots empowerment and civic engagement. We spoke with her about the motivation behind the initiative and her vision for Okigwe in 2027.
Recently, the women of Okigwe organised Operation Show Your PVC. Can you tell us what inspired this initiative?
The inspiration is simple: democracy works when citizens are active participants, not bystanders. In Okigwe, I noticed that many eligible voters, especially women, either hadn’t collected their PVCs or didn’t fully understand the importance of having one. Our operation aimed to empower women to claim their right to vote and take control of their future ahead of the 2027 elections.
That’s commendable. Why focus specifically on women for this campaign?
Women make up a large part of the electorate, but their voices are often underrepresented. By mobilising women to collect and use their PVCs, we are ensuring that women have a say in who leads and how resources are allocated in Okigwe. Women influence communities, families, and society. When we vote, we are voting for better education, healthcare, and opportunities. It’s about creating lasting impact.
How did you prepare for this event? Was there a strategy behind it?
Absolutely. We worked closely with local community leaders, and grassroots organisations to reach as many women as possible. Our strategy included awareness campaigns, workshops, and door-to-door sensitisation. We also ensured that women understood not just how to collect their PVCs, but why it matters in shaping the future of Okigwe, particularly with the 2027 elections approaching.
Speaking of the 2027 elections, how does this initiative tie into your plans for the zone?
Operation Show Your PVC is about preparing Okigwe for credible, participatory elections. By increasing voter registration and awareness now, we are laying the foundation for a transparent and representative process in 2027. My goal is to see Okigwe produce leaders who are accountable, service-oriented, and responsive to the needs of the people, and that starts with an empowered electorate.
Many people are beginning to ask an important question as 2027 approaches. Do you personally have anyone in mind who you believe best fits the kind of leadership Okigwe needs?
I believe leadership should always be about capacity, character, and commitment to the people. That said, it is my sincere wish that Attorney Dr. Charles Onyirimba steps forward to contest. I must be clear: he has not made up his mind yet, and that decision is entirely his. But as someone who is deeply invested in Okigwe’s future, I genuinely believe he fits the bill of the kind of person who should speak for our zone.
Why do you feel Onyirimba stands out as a suitable choice for Okigwe?
First, Onyirimba understands that leadership is about service, not entitlement. His consistent emphasis on civic participation, especially his encouragement for people to obtain their PVCs shows that he believes in empowering the people, not ruling over them. That mindset is rare and urgently needed in Okigwe.
Second, he brings professional competence and intellectual depth to the table. Okigwe needs representation that can engage at the national level with clarity, confidence, and substance. Onyirimba has the training, exposure, and temperament to articulate our interests effectively, not emotionally or impulsively.
Third, he has shown a genuine commitment to grassroots engagement. He is accessible, listens, and understands local realities. Representation should not be distant; it should be rooted in the lived experiences of the people. Onyirimba has consistently demonstrated that connection.
Finally, he represents a new kind of political culture, one built on integrity, accountability, and long-term thinking. Okigwe has suffered from short-term politics for too long. We need someone who sees representation as institution-building, not personal advancement. That is why, if he chooses to run, I believe he would offer Okigwe a credible, competent, and people-centered option.
What message would you like to send to Okigwe residents who haven’t collected their PVCs yet?
Don’t delay! Your PVC is more than a card; it’s your voice, your power, your ticket to shaping the future of Okigwe. Participate, engage, and ensure you are counted in the democratic process. Operation Show Your PVC is just the beginning. We must all take responsibility for the leaders we elect and the community we want to build.
