Ode-Ekiti born world-renowned pharmacist and staunch loyalist of the All Progressives Congress, Pharmacist Adedayo Oluwasanmi, has called on the people of Ekiti State to come out en masse and participate in the voter registration exercise billed to commence on Monday, August 18, ahead of the June 20 gubernatorial election in the state.
Oluwasanmi, a grassroots mobiliser and die-hard supporter of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, in a statement made available to the press, described the exercise as more than a political ritual, insisting that it is a civic duty that every eligible citizen must take seriously. According to him, the registration process will not only empower residents to exercise their franchise but will also provide critical data that can guide government planning.
He stressed that since Nigeria has not conducted a comprehensive census since 2006, the voter register remains one of the most credible ways of gauging population figures for effective distribution of resources and development programmes. He urged residents of Ekiti, whether citizens, denizens; settlers, or temporary dwellers, as well as indigenes; home based and those in the diaspora to seize the opportunity to enroll with the electoral umpire.
The pharmacist-politician particularly appealed to citizens in the diaspora to encourage their families back home to register, warning that political disengagement has far-reaching consequences on governance and development. He noted that it is through numbers and participation that citizens secure a voice in the democratic process.
Oluwasanmi made special reference to residents of Ekiti East, Gbonyin, Aiyekire and Emure local government areas, urging them to troop out for the exercise, as their collective turnout could be decisive in the forthcoming poll. He maintained that their participation would go a long way in consolidating support for performing governments both at the state and federal levels.
He commended the achievements of Governor Oyebanji in Ekiti and President Bola Tinubu at the federal level, describing both administrations as people-oriented and reform-driven. According to him, the duo have taken bold decisions aimed at repositioning the political and economic narratives of Nigeria and Ekiti State, and thus deserve the backing of the people.
The APC loyalist warned, however, that the progress being made is under threat from what he called “political hijackers” who are bent on reversing the gains of democracy. He urged the people not to allow themselves to be swayed by money politics or divisive rhetoric, but rather to remain vigilant and committed to sustaining reforms.
Oluwasanmi placed particular emphasis on youth participation, pointing out that while Nigerian youths have been at the forefront of social movements and advocacy on the social media, their activism must translate into political engagement. He argued that registering with INEC is the first step toward turning agitation into concrete governance outcomes.
”Online Pre-Registration will start on Monday, 18th August 2025, they have provided the link, cvr.inecnigeria.org and we should all register through our phones. It is very less cumbersome, very very simple to do, once you are 18 years and above. Physical/In-Person Registration has been slated for Monday, 25th August 2025, tt all INEC offices across the federation.
During the registration exercise, you can, register for a new PVC, replace a lost or damaged PVC and transfer your registration if you have relocated so this is a very great opportunity for us in Ekiti to really walk our talk in expressing our satisfaction with the performing administrations.” Oluwasanmi remarked
He also called on civil society organisations, religious leaders, and traditional rulers across Ekiti State to support mobilisation efforts, noting that democracy can only thrive when broad-based participation is guaranteed. He said active involvement in the registration process would strengthen the state’s political culture and ensure inclusivity.
Highlighting the development value of credible data, the pharmacist explained that projects such as healthcare delivery, education, road construction, and social welfare are better executed when governments can rely on accurate population statistics. He urged citizens to see voter registration as a tool for community advancement and not merely as a political obligation.
Oluwasanmi, who described himself as a political soldier for good governance, lamented the growing trend of voter apathy in Nigeria. He urged the people of Ekiti not to allow mistrust or indifference to weaken their democratic commitment, insisting that registration is the gateway to meaningful participation.
Expectations, he said, are high that the exercise will witness unprecedented turnout in Ekiti, given the current level of political awareness and the desire among residents to consolidate on the gains of ongoing reforms. He added that Ekiti people, known for their intellectual vibrancy, would not fall short of national expectations in matters of political consciousness.
While acknowledging possible challenges with logistics during the registration process, he appealed to INEC to ensure transparency, efficiency, and fairness. He noted that the credibility of any election begins with the credibility of the voter register.
He pledged that his Foundation, Adedayo Oluwasanmi Foundation (AOF) would be helping in physical mobilization for the exercise in communities across Ekiti East, Gbonyin, Aiyekire and Emure and providing logistics to the people at ensuring that they are captured.
Oluwasanmi encouraged residents not to wait until the deadline before rushing to registration centres, advising them to make use of the early days of the exercise when the process is less cumbersome. He observed that proactive registration reduces the usual last-minute pressure often associated with INEC activities.