By Abubakar Yunusa Ojima-ojo
A former Governor of Kogi State, Idris Ichalla Wada, has said the two-week grace period granted by the Independent National Electoral Commission offers an opportunity for the people of Kogi East to correct what he described as voter registration imbalance in the state.
Wada spoke on Sunday in Abuja during the Igala-Bassa Renaissance Project fundraising dinner organised by the Ukomu Igala Organisation, which targets N500m.
He expressed concern that voter registration figures from Kogi East were significantly lower compared to Kogi West and Central, urging stakeholders to intensify mobilisation efforts.
“We still have a window of opportunity over the next two weeks to be able to bring out our people to register. What is important about registration is the number,” Wada said.
According to him, the number of registered voters plays a crucial role in determining election outcomes, stressing that communities must take advantage of the ongoing exercise.
“If Igala land has a registration of one million people, the quantum of votes on election day compared to registered voters has solid significance in determining who won,” he added.
Also speaking, the member representing Idah Federal Constituency, Hon. David Idris Zacharias, said many residents were reluctant to register due to perceived lack of development.
“As a House of Representatives member, I should know the problem. Our people are asking what the dividend is for supporting government when they don’t see development,” he said.
Zacharias noted that community leaders were working to re-orientate citizens on the importance of civic participation and voter registration.
“You don’t expect government to bring development while you sit down alone. This voter card is what you use to define the person you bring into government,” he stated.
In his remarks, the President of the Ukomu Igala Organisation, Maj-Gen. James Ataguba (retd.), urged sons and daughters of Igala and Bassa land to invest in community security, unity and civic engagement.
“What you give today is not a donation. It is a seed that will grow into a stronger and more prosperous land,” he said.
Traditional ruler Attah Achadu described the gathering as culturally significant rather than political, noting that his presence was to support the welfare of the people.
“The Igala organisation is a cultural body. I am here to support our sons and daughters culturally and prayer-wise,” he said.