Here's What I Have To Say

Valentine is coming, and so is the 2023 General Elections

Have you collected your PVC?

Are you going to use it?

If you haven’t, check here for how you can access it.

Let me explain something to you, and anyone else who doesn't feel/see the need and importance to vote because you believe your votes don't matter. I collated and compared election data from 2007 - 2019. Let's break this down, shall we?

The number of registered voters we have increased each year by a significant number. Except for 2015. But in 2019, the shege we saw was something else and it forced more people to register.

The number of votes cast compared to the registered voters is a poor figure and comparison

During our election history, the winner hasn't won by a landslide victory. Except for 2007 & 2011. But in the years after 2015 & 2019, the election was won by a rather close margin and the votes cast remained within the same range, for the same candidate/party.

If you check properly, the number of registered people who don't vote falls within 30-45 million Nigerians. These group of people have their PVCs and sit at home. Let's say some can't find theirs.

This year, 93 million people are registered to vote. If we follow the current trend, a lot of people who have their cards won't vote and that leaves a potential gap of 60 million people not voting. Some of the PVCs are still at the local government. All 774 of them.

If the next president wins the election by 15 million votes (going by past data), the 45 million people who decided not to vote will be held responsible if things become worse. Because you have the power to change things and exercise your right but you chose otherwise.

As of today, if 50,000 (estimated) cards are still at the 774 local governments, we will have 38,700,000 votes wasted. Everyone shouting for things to be better should get up and actively participate in the coming elections that are a few days away.

In 2019, I compiled a database of contact information for heads of local government officials across Lagos state. The mission then was to make governing easier through access and accountability. See the list and information here. Get in touch with your local representative today, and demand good governance!

Elections are won and lost because when you had the chance and power to cast your vote, you chose otherwise. 2023 can be different. For those who have picked up their cards, it is important that you USE IT and Vote For Nigeria.

As it stands, the 2023 elections and the future and fate of Nigeria rest solely in our hands. This is the time for the Leaders of Tomorrow to come together and prove a point.

To reiterate, I talked about it extensively on Twitter.

And by the way, Happy New Month everyone!