PRP leader tells Nigerians to register before July 26 deadline

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party for the 2027 elections, Yakubu Kingsley, has called on eligible Nigerians to register in the current Continuous Voter Registration exercise.

He warned that not registering could stop them from voting in the next general elections.

Kingsley made this appeal in a statement on Thursday after an emergency meeting of the YMK Nigeria Project Movement. He expressed worry about the low number of eligible Nigerians registering, even after the Independent National Electoral Commission extended the deadline.

INEC added two weeks to the registration period, which will now close on Sunday, July 26, 2026.

Kingsley praised INEC for the extension but noted that many Nigerians have not taken advantage of it.

"This situation, if allowed to continue, could deny millions of qualified citizens the constitutional right to vote during the 2027 General Elections," he said.

He described the remaining days of the registration as "a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey" and urged all eligible Nigerians to register and get their Permanent Voter Cards before the deadline.

"Every eligible Nigerian who truly desires positive change must understand that voting begins with registration.

"Without registering, there can be no Permanent Voter Card, and without a Permanent Voter Card, there can be no vote," he stated.

Kingsley is challenging the outcome of the PRP presidential primary that took place on May 25, which resulted in former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke becoming the party’s presidential candidate. He said the future of Nigeria should not be left to a few voters while millions of eligible citizens remain unregistered.

He urged youths who just turned 18, women, students, artisans, professionals, farmers, traders, and people with disabilities to go to the nearest INEC registration centers before the deadline.

"The PVC is not merely a document. It is the democratic instrument through which citizens peacefully determine the quality of leadership that governs them. It is the voice of the people expressed through lawful democratic means," he said.

Kingsley noted that Nigeria's economic and security problems, like unemployment, inflation, poverty, insecurity, and poor public services, should lead to more people getting involved in the electoral process instead of being apathetic.

"The solution to many of our national challenges lies not in violence, hatred or despair, but in peaceful democratic participation. Nigerians must use the ballot to elect competent, visionary, transparent, and patriotic leaders who genuinely place national interest above personal ambition," he added.

Kingsley also called on political stakeholders to carry out their activities peacefully and avoid inflammatory language as the 2027 general elections approach.

He urged all eligible Nigerians who have not registered yet to not let this chance pass by, emphasizing that taking part in the electoral process starts with voter registration.