In a press statement issued on Friday, the President of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in Toronto, Chief Dr. Anicetus Nwizundu, expressed concern over reports indicating a low number of registered voters in the South-East compared with other regions of the country.
Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo group in Toronto, Canada, has called on the people of the South-East (Igbos) across Nigeria to register en masse for the 2027 general elections, warning that low voter registration in the South-East could weaken the region’s political influence at the national level.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the President of Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo in Toronto, Chief Dr. Anicetus Nwizundu, expressed concern over reports indicating a low number of registered voters in the South-East compared with other regions of the country.
Nwizundu said the trend, if not urgently reversed, could limit the ability of the region to effectively influence federal governance, development policies, and the allocation of projects.
He stressed that voter registration and participation are critical to ensuring fair representation of the Igbo people at all levels of government, federal, state, and local.
“Registering to vote is not just a civic duty; it is a strategic move to ensure that our region’s interests are adequately represented at all levels of government,” he said.
“A robust voter turnout guarantees that Igbo voices are heard and that leaders who understand and prioritize our community’s needs are elected into office.
According to him, higher voter registration would strengthen the South-East’s bargaining power and improve its chances of attracting development projects such as roads, schools, hospitals, and other essential services.
“An active electorate translates into stronger bargaining power for our communities,” Nwizundu explained.
“When more citizens are registered and vote, we can advocate more effectively for projects that uplift our region.”
He lamented that available data show significantly fewer registered voters in the South-East than in other parts of Nigeria, describing the situation as a serious disadvantage in national decision-making processes.
The Ohanaeze leader also appealed to governors of the five South-East states: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo, to intensify efforts to mobilize citizens for voter registration.
He suggested that state governments consider declaring special days off work to allow residents adequate time to register and to raise awareness about the importance of the exercise.
He also called on traders and business owners to close shops on designated registration days to encourage widespread participation.
“Ignorance and apathy undermine progress,” he said. “Every registered voter has a voice, a voice capable of influencing leadership choices and policy directions. Everyone’s vote counts.”
Nwizundu also urged existing voters to verify the status of their voter registration and update their details where necessary, noting that an accurate and up-to-date voter register enhances collective political strength.
Recognising the role of the Igbos in diaspora, Nwizundu appealed to Igbo communities abroad, particularly in Canada, to support voter registration efforts by sensitising family members and friends at home, organising awareness campaigns, and providing logistical support for registration drives.
He called for unity and active participation, saying that through mass voter registration and voting, Igbo citizens can shape Nigeria’s political landscape, hold leaders accountable, and secure a better future for the region.
“Our power lies in our votes,” he said. “By participating fully, we can show that the Igbo community is strong, united, and determined to build a brighter future.”