Grassroots political mobilization gained fresh momentum in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State as community leader and APC chieftain, Chief Boniface Onyibe, on Monday flagged off a voter card registration awareness campaign in Iboko, the council headquarters.
The initiative, according to Onyibe, was targeted at ensuring that every eligible voter in Alibaruhu Agbaja and neighboring communities obtains a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He described the exercise as both a civic duty and a gesture of gratitude to the state governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, whose administration, he said, has brought “light, hope, and transformation” to the people of Ebonyi State.
“This move is not just about politics; it’s about appreciation,” Onyibe told the crowd. “Governor Nwifuru has fulfilled his promises under the People’s Charter of Needs. From education and healthcare to infrastructure and peacebuilding, his leadership has touched every family in our community," he further stated.
The APC stalwart pledged to use his personal resources to assist residents facing economic hardship in registering for their voter cards.
“Many of our people have not gotten their PVCs because they can’t afford transport to Iboko,” Onyibe explained during an interview.
“I decided to sponsor them, pay for their transport — you can see the buses and provide food, water, and drinks so that no one is left behind in this voter registration exercise," he stressed.
He further stated that his goal is to mobilize at least 1,000 eligible citizens for registration before the next election cycle, calling on both youths and elders to participate actively in the democratic process.
“Our people now sleep with their two eyes closed because of the governor’s efforts in securing the state. Pensioners are being paid, youths are studying abroad, and our roads are being fixed. We must sustain this progress. Four plus four equals eight for our governor," he added.
As songs of solidarity echoed through the crowd, Onyibe further reiterated his commitment to continue investing in civic awareness and political education, emphasizing that good governance can only be sustained through active voter participation.
“Our voices count only when we have our voter cards. This is not just about an election; it is about the future of our people," Onyibe declared.
Several community stakeholders who attended the event commended Chief Onyibe’s initiative.
Alibaruhu Agbaja Village Councillor - Chief Nkwuda Nwobeji; Pastor James Okpuru - President of the Alibaruhu Development Union; and Chibueze Iziogo, a youth leader, all described the effort as “timely and patriotic.”
“Many of our people have no voter cards because of financial constraints. This time, thanks to Chief Boniface Onyibe, they have the chance to get registered and participate fully in the 2027 elections," Pastor Okpuru said.
Residents, including Mrs. Faith Ofoke and Mr. Monday Nwofe, among others, also used the occasion to urge the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to create additional polling units in Alibaruhu Agbaja Village, noting that their people currently depend on neighboring villages for voting during elections.
