Ogah, Stakeholders Drive Voters Sensitization in Ikwo
By Ugo Ewa
Rt. Hon. Chinedu Ogah, member representing Ikwo/Ezza South Federal Constituency, has joined other key stakeholders to call for massive voter registration in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ogah made the appeal on Monday during a sensitization programme organized by the Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru Youth Movement (FON), led by its National President, Chinedu Emerike. The event focused on mobilizing residents and ensuring that Ikwo’s vast population is not disenfranchised.
The lawmaker reiterated his demand for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deploy more voter registration machines, stressing that Ikwo the largest local government in Ebonyi and one of the biggest in the South-East was too expansive to rely on a single centre at Onuebonyi Echera.
He noted that residents often trek long distances or spend huge sums on transportation to register, a challenge he said discourages participation. Ogah urged INEC to decentralize the process by taking registration machines to polling units, markets, churches, and other accessible places.
“The commission should take registration closer to the people. Ikwo deserves special attention because of its size and population,” he emphasized.
The lawmaker also faulted the continued closure of INEC offices on Mondays due to insecurity, insisting that Ebonyi was safe. He proposed weekend operations as an alternative to make up for lost time.
Ogah, who was the only APC National Assembly member from Ebonyi elected in 2019 before the party gained control of the state, explained that his intervention was aimed at ensuring no eligible voter in Ikwo is excluded from the 2027 polls.
Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Chief Sunday Nwankwo, assured that the council had already provided resources to support the registration drive. He said officials were moving from ward to ward to mobilize residents and resolve challenges.
Calling the exercise a “must-go project,” Nwankwo noted that logistics were being provided to encourage more people. “Residents are eager to vote, but sometimes they need that extra push. That is what the council is doing,” he explained.
He also expressed confidence that Ikwo would retain its position as the leading local government in voter turnout in the state. “We want to remain first, not just in numbers but in results, come 2027,” he declared.
Other stakeholders at the event including community leaders, development centre coordinators, women’s groups, and youth representatives commended Governor Francis Nwifuru for his leadership and pledged massive grassroots support for him in the 2027 elections.
“Our voter’s card is our voice. We will use it to elect leaders who serve us well. We stand united behind Governor Nwifuru because of his commitment to peace and development,” one stakeholder said.
The Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru Youth Movement also inaugurated ward and local government teams to collaborate with INEC and the council in ensuring wider voter registration coverage. Emerike, the group’s national president, who performed the inauguration, vowed to deliver 100 percent support for Nwifuru in 2027.
“Our mission is simple mobilize, register, and deliver. Ikwo will speak loudly in 2027,” he said.
The programme ended with a resolution by Ikwo stakeholders to deepen voter awareness, expand access to registration, and strengthen Governor Nwifuru’s political base ahead of the polls.
Observers believe Ogah’s involvement and the stakeholders’ mobilization efforts highlight Ebonyi’s broader push to secure a strong position in the South-East voting bloc in 2027.
