Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has called on Nigerians of Igbo extraction to fully harness their demographic and electoral strength ahead of the 2027 general elections by obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participating actively in the democratic process.
Speaking on the evolving political landscape in Nigeria, Fayose stated that the introduction of electronic transmission of election results has significantly reduced the possibilities of large-scale electoral manipulation, thereby giving greater power to the electorate.
According to him, the Igbo population remains one of the most politically and economically influential demographics across Nigeria due to its widespread presence in virtually every geopolitical zone of the country.
Fayose argued that in the South East, Igbos dominate the voter population overwhelmingly, while also maintaining strong voting numbers across major cities and commercial centers nationwide.
He pointed to Lagos State as an example, noting that after the indigenous Yoruba population, Igbos constitute one of the strongest voting blocs in the state. He further emphasized that Lagos, being Nigeria’s highest voting state, presents enormous political leverage for any group willing to mobilize effectively.
The former governor also highlighted the presence of Igbo communities across the South South, North Central, North West, North East and the Federal Capital Territory, asserting that the demographic spread of the Igbo people gives them strategic influence in national politics.
According to him, cities such as Port Harcourt, Jos, Kano, Kaduna, Maiduguri and Abuja all have substantial Igbo populations capable of shaping electoral outcomes when fully mobilized.
Fayose maintained that if Igbos truly decide to participate massively in elections, they possess the numerical strength to significantly influence who emerges victorious at the national level.
He further described Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as among the most qualified political figures to lead Nigeria, but lamented that many potential supporters are yet to obtain their PVCs.
He therefore urged Nigerians, especially young people and eligible voters across the country, to register and secure their voter cards ahead of the next electoral cycle, stressing that political change can only happen through active participation at the polls.
