The Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Prince Anthony Nyong, has pledged his administration’s support for efforts to promote peaceful elections and increase voter participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Nyong gave the assurance when the Akwa Ibom State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, paid him a courtesy visit at the Council Secretariat in Odot as part of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) engagement with stakeholders in the area, recently.
The Chairman thanked the REC for the visit and expressed confidence that the 2027 general elections would be conducted peacefully in Nsit Atai. He stressed the importance of collective responsibility in sustaining peace and encouraging eligible residents to participate in the electoral process.
He also appealed to INEC to ensure the timely release and distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to newly registered eligible voters, noting that access to the cards was essential for their full participation in the electoral process.
Nyong further assured the REC that his administration would intensify public sensitisation across the local government area on the importance of participating in the process of electing their leaders. He said the initiative would help address voter apathy and encourage greater civic participation among eligible residents.
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During the engagement, Onuoha reaffirmed INEC’s commitment to conducting free, fair and credible elections in Akwa Ibom State. He urged political leaders, community stakeholders and other relevant groups to intensify voter education, particularly on the importance of obtaining PVCs and participating in the elections.
The REC also called for concerted efforts to address voter apathy, urging stakeholders to mobilise eligible residents across villages, wards and clans.
He commended the people of Nsit Atai for maintaining peace and expressed the hope that the prevailing atmosphere would be sustained before, during and after the 2027 general elections.
Onuoha further cautioned against electoral malpractice, including vote buying, ballot box snatching and violence, urging political actors and residents to cooperate with INEC in protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
As part of his engagements in the local government area, the REC also held an interactive meeting with electoral stakeholders, during which concerns were raised over the late arrival of election materials at polling units and delays in distributing newly issued PVCs to eligible voters.
A former Secretary of Nsit Atai Local Government Council, Dr. Nseabasi Udoeyo, appealed to INEC to address the concerns, noting the importance of ensuring that eligible voters could exercise their franchise without unnecessary difficulties.
Responding, Onuoha assured the stakeholders that arrangements would be made to ensure election materials arrived at polling units early enough for voting to commence as scheduled.
The meeting provided a platform for INEC officials and stakeholders to discuss electoral preparedness, voter participation and the need to sustain peace throughout the electoral process.
Those present included the Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon. Affiong Amanam; Council Secretary, Obong Sunday Udia; Dean of Supervisors, Hon. Emmanuel Okono; and other political and community stakeholders.
Members of the INEC delegation included the REC, Prof. Anugbum Onuoha; Administrative Secretary, Barr. Vincent Oghene; Head of Electoral Operations, Mr Jude Nabie; Head of Election and Party Monitoring, Mrs Vivian Oladipo; Head of Planning and Monitoring, Mrs Queenba Young; Head of Legal Services, Barr. Emeka Owabie; Head of ICT, Mr Edidiong Ekam; Head of GAP, Dr Douglas Imoke; Head of Finance and Accounts, Mr John Onwuemene; and Electoral Officer for Nsit Atai, Mrs Margaret Famous.
