Stakeholders in Ebonyi State have expressed concern over what they described as growing voter apathy in the ongoing voter registration exercise across the Southeast, warning that the region risks losing political relevance and bargaining power at the national level if the trend continues.

Speaking separately with journalists, the Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State Governor on Inter-Party Affairs, Comrade Sunday Nwambam, and the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Ebonyi, Comrade Ernest Nwaze, called on residents, particularly youths, to register in large numbers and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

They stressed that without active participation in the democratic process, the Southeast would weaken its voice in national politics.

“With your PVC, you can be elected, you can choose who leads, and you can protect your future. No PVC, no voice,” they said.

Nwambam dismissed claims that the 2027 elections had already been predetermined, describing such narratives as dangerous distractions aimed at discouraging participation.

He also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address logistical challenges, particularly the shortage of registration machines at overcrowded centers.

“We can’t have thousands waiting to register and only two machines. INEC must act,” he stressed.

On his part, Nwaze warned that the Southeast risks diminishing its influence in national politics if registration numbers remain low, adding that other regions are registering en masse.

“If we stay behind, we’ll lose influence in politics and even in funding. Power follows numbers,” he said.
Nwaze urged Southeast residents living outside the zone to return home and register locally to boost the region’s electoral strength, warning against empowering other regions while weakening their own.

“As the 2027 elections draw closer, the message is clear: the Southeast must register, vote, and participate, or risk losing its political voice for years to come,” he concluded.