By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA – AHEAD of the forthcoming general elections in the country, traditional leaders in Garki, Abuja, have joined a grassroots mobilisation group to boost participation in the Independent National Electoral Commission’s ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR).

Dr Lazarus Nuhu Nyaholo, secretary of the Garki Traditional Council, who represented the paramount ruler, His Royal Highness Sa’Peyi Alhaji (Dr.) Usman Nga Kup, said the drive aims to make it easier for eligible residents who have not yet obtained voter cards to register.

“The democratic process is the business of every citizen. It is a right every citizen should exercise, but some people may not have access or the opportunity to register during earlier exercises,” Nyaholo said during a mobilisation event in Garki Village.

He said traditional rulers had engaged district and village heads to raise awareness and encourage participation, noting that many residents—especially in outlying communities—face challenges accessing registration centres.

While voter apathy is often blamed for low figures in the FCT, Nyaholo pointed to migration patterns during elections as a contributing factor, saying many non-indigenes travel to their states of origin to vote.

He urged residents to obtain voter cards, arguing that participation strengthens citizens’ moral standing to demand accountability.

Nyaholo also warned about what he described as the marginalisation of indigenous FCT residents and gaps in national representation.

On concerns the mobilisation could be politically driven, he insisted the effort is nonpartisan. “We mobilise people to exercise their franchise, not to vote for any particular person,” he said.

Temidayo Kingheart, a representative of grassroots platform The Game Changer Group (TGCG), said the organisation partnered with communities and electoral officials to bring registration closer to residents.

“One of the reasons some people do not register is inconvenience. We believe that if registration is brought closer to communities and business areas, more people will participate,” he said.

Kingheart explained TGCG worked with community leaders and stakeholders to select accessible registration locations and plans to expand the initiative to other FCT communities, including Guzape.

The group hopes to facilitate registration for between 20,000 and 30,000 additional voters across its operating areas.

INEC is currently conducting Continuous Voter Registration at designated centres nationwide as part of preparations for future elections.