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The Village Boys Movement (VBM) has called on Nigerians, particularly eligible voters who are yet to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), to take full advantage of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s extension of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, describing the development as a timely opportunity to deepen democratic participation across the country.
In a statement signed by the Founder and Headmaster of the movement, Maazi Tochukwu Ezeoke, the organisation welcomed INEC’s decision to extend the nationwide voter registration exercise until Sunday, July 26, 2026, saying the additional period would allow more eligible Nigerians to register and prepare to exercise their constitutional right to vote in future elections.
According to the movement, the extension demonstrates the electoral commission’s commitment to ensuring that no eligible Nigerian is denied the opportunity to become a registered voter because of time constraints or logistical challenges.
The Village Boys Movement noted that broad participation in elections remains one of the strongest foundations of democracy and urged citizens to view voter registration not as a routine administrative exercise but as an important civic responsibility capable of influencing the country’s future.
The organisation also directed all its State Headmasters, Local Government Coordinators, Ward Leaders, Diaspora Support Groups and members nationwide to immediately intensify grassroots mobilisation efforts to ensure that every eligible Nigerian within their communities is encouraged to register before the new deadline.
According to the statement, community leaders within the movement have been instructed to organise awareness campaigns, engage residents at the grassroots and provide necessary guidance to individuals who may be unfamiliar with the voter registration process.
The movement stressed that the extension should not be treated as an excuse for procrastination but rather as a final opportunity for citizens who are yet to register to complete the exercise without delay.
“We encourage every eligible Nigerian to use this additional period wisely. Every Permanent Voter’s Card represents a voice in our democracy, and every registered voter strengthens the legitimacy of our electoral process,” the statement said.
The organisation further appealed to its members to go beyond registering themselves by encouraging family members, neighbours, friends, colleagues, classmates and members of their various communities to visit INEC registration centres and complete the registration process before the deadline.
The Village Boys Movement said collective mobilisation has historically played an important role in increasing voter turnout and civic participation, adding that community-driven awareness campaigns remain effective in reaching citizens who may otherwise be left behind.
The movement also welcomed INEC’s planned introduction of an online self-service voter registration platform scheduled to commence on July 8, 2026, describing the initiative as a significant technological advancement that would simplify the registration process for millions of Nigerians.
According to the organisation, the digital platform is expected to reduce congestion at physical registration centres while making it easier for eligible citizens, particularly young people who are familiar with technology, to begin the registration process online before completing the necessary verification procedures.
The Village Boys Movement urged members with digital skills to assist first-time registrants, especially elderly citizens and individuals living in underserved communities, in understanding how to use the online platform correctly.
It noted that expanding access through technology represents an important step toward making Nigeria’s electoral process more inclusive and accessible.
Beyond voter registration, the movement called for sustained civic education across the country, arguing that many citizens still require greater awareness about the importance of democratic participation and the responsibilities associated with voting.
According to the statement, obtaining a Permanent Voter’s Card should not merely be seen as acquiring another government-issued document but as securing the constitutional right to participate in determining Nigeria’s political leadership.
The organisation maintained that democracy becomes stronger when citizens actively engage in peaceful electoral processes and hold elected leaders accountable through the ballot box.
It therefore encouraged Nigerians to participate responsibly while respecting electoral laws and promoting peaceful coexistence before, during and after elections.
The Village Boys Movement also commended the Independent National Electoral Commission for introducing reforms aimed at improving voter registration and expanding access to eligible citizens across the federation.
According to the organisation, extending the registration exercise demonstrates responsiveness to public concerns and reflects the commission’s determination to encourage wider voter participation.
The movement expressed hope that the additional registration period would significantly increase the number of registered voters ahead of future electoral activities.
It further urged community leaders, youth organisations, religious institutions, civil society groups and professional associations to complement INEC’s efforts by encouraging their members to obtain Permanent Voter’s Cards and participate actively in democratic processes.
The statement emphasised that strengthening Nigeria’s democracy is a collective responsibility that extends beyond government institutions alone.
The organisation also reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful civic engagement through sustained voter education programmes, grassroots sensitisation campaigns and public enlightenment initiatives across Nigeria.
It pledged to continue working within the law while promoting responsible citizenship, civic participation and democratic values among its members and the wider public.
As the July 26 deadline approaches, the Village Boys Movement appealed to eligible Nigerians not to wait until the final days of the registration exercise before visiting registration centres, noting that early participation would help reduce congestion and ensure a smoother registration process.
The movement equally advised citizens to obtain information only from official INEC communication channels regarding registration procedures, schedules and designated centres in order to avoid misinformation.
According to the statement, credible elections begin with credible voter registration, making the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration exercise an essential component of Nigeria’s democratic development.
Concluding the statement, Maazi Tochukwu Ezeoke urged all members of the Village Boys Movement and Nigerians generally to seize the opportunity provided by the extended registration period by registering, mobilising others and participating peacefully in strengthening the country’s democracy.
He described the moment as one requiring unity, patriotism and active civic responsibility, stressing that every eligible citizen has a role to play in shaping Nigeria’s future through lawful democratic participation.
“The future of our nation depends on the choices we make today. Register, mobilise others and participate. Every Permanent Voter’s Card is a powerful instrument for building the Nigeria we all desire,” the statement concluded.
