The Accord Party has intensified calls on Nigerians to take part in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise, stressing that obtaining permanent voter cards remains the most effective tool for citizens to choose credible leaders. The appeal was made by Maxwell Mgbudem, national chairman of the party, in a statement released on Wednesday as the country marked its 65th independence anniversary.
Mgbudem described voter registration as a civic duty that gives citizens the power to shape the country’s leadership, insisting that democracy thrives only when the people fully participate in the electoral process. While felicitating Nigerians on the independence anniversary, he acknowledged the nation’s resilience through decades of turbulence, including military rule, civil war, economic downturns, religious and social divisions, and ongoing security challenges. According to him, despite these hurdles, Nigerians have continued to pursue the vision of a strong and just democracy.
He called on citizens to remain steadfast, keep hope alive, and nurture democracy so it can deliver its promised dividends. Accord, he said, stands with the people in building a nation where no citizen is oppressed and future generations inherit a system free from stains of injustice. The party, he added, is actively mobilising Nigerians across all regions for the ongoing registration exercise, insisting that “your vote is your voice and power to elect credible leaders.”
Looking ahead to the November 8 governorship election in Anambra State, Mgbudem reaffirmed Accord’s readiness, presenting its candidate, Chidi Onyeze, as competent, visionary, and committed to delivering good governance. He maintained that a vote for Accord represents a vote for unity, stability, prosperity, and inclusivity, while stressing that the people of Anambra deserve better leadership than what they have experienced in the past. He warned against the temptation of vote-selling, describing the election as a defining moment and “a date with destiny” for the state.
The party vowed to resist any attempt to undermine the people’s will, pledging to defend the sanctity of the ballot box. Beyond electoral participation, Mgbudem urged the federal government to step up efforts to secure the nation, pointing out that protection of lives and property remains the foundation of a sustainable democracy. He also called on the military to continue its operations against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, militancy, and kidnapping across the country, stressing that national security is essential for long-term peace and development.
