A prominent community leader, philanthropist and House of Representatives aspirant for Chanchaga Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Adamu Abubakar, popularly known as Ado Salami, has urged young people and other eligible Nigerians to obtain or update their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Speaking with journalists in Minna, Ado Salami described the Permanent Voter Card as the most powerful tool available to citizens for shaping the future of the country through democratic participation.
He said meaningful participation in democracy begins with voter registration, stressing that eligible citizens who fail to register or update their voter details risk losing the opportunity to influence the outcome of elections.
“Without a Permanent Voter Card, you have no opportunity to choose the leaders you believe in or influence the outcome of elections. Your voice matters, but it can only count if you are registered to vote,” he said.
According to him, the PVC is more than an electoral document, describing it as “the key that unlocks every citizen’s constitutional right to determine the direction of governance.”
The APC aspirant specifically appealed to first-time voters, students, artisans, entrepreneurs and other young people across Chanchaga Federal Constituency to regard voter registration as a civic responsibility rather than waiting until election campaigns begin.
Ado Salami, who has been involved in several youth-focused and community development initiatives over the years, noted that sustainable development depends on active citizen participation. He said voting remains one of the most effective means through which citizens can influence policies on education, employment, healthcare, infrastructure and economic development.
He recalled that his contributions to community development include youth empowerment programmes, support for small businesses, assistance to farmers and the rehabilitation of public boreholes, all aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding opportunities for residents.
Emphasising the importance of youth participation in the electoral process, he said young people, who constitute the largest segment of Nigeria’s population, have a critical role to play in determining the country’s future.
“Young people are the largest segment of our population and the greatest beneficiaries or victims of public policy. They cannot afford to remain on the sidelines. The first step towards meaningful participation is obtaining a Permanent Voter Card,” he stated.
He also called on community leaders, religious organisations, youth groups, educational institutions and civil society organisations to mobilise eligible Nigerians to register and collect their PVCs before the deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The APC stalwart expressed confidence that increased voter participation would strengthen democratic institutions, promote accountability in governance and deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
In furtherance of the campaign, Ado Salami also sponsored a Talk-In radio programme dedicated to creating awareness on voter registration, where he reiterated the importance of every eligible citizen possessing a valid Permanent Voter Card as a fundamental civic responsibility.