IPAC sets 2.5 million votes target in Cross River

From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

The Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, in Cross River State has set a target of 2.5 million votes for the state ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying a larger voter base will increase the state’s political relevance and national influence.

Speaking in Calabar on Saturday as the Continuous Voter Registration, CVR, exercise winds down, Engr. Effiom Okon the Cross River State chairman of the IPAC described voter registration as the foundation of democracy.

“Today, IPAC confidently declares that, with the ongoing mobilisation and the cooperation of INEC and every stakeholder involved in this exercise, Cross River State is on course to record not less than 2.5 million votes in the 2027 General Elections.

“This is not merely a projection; it is a collective target that every stakeholder must work tirelessly to achieve.

“Every Permanent Voter’s Card is a weapon against political apathy. Every vote has the power to shape the destiny of Cross River State.

“No Voter’s Card, No Voice. No Registration, No Participation. Democracy begins with voter registration,” Engr. Effiom said.

He added that IPAC had mobilised across the 18 local government areas with INEC, civil society groups, youth and women organisations, traditional rulers and religious leaders to ensure no eligible citizen is left out.

IPAC also commended Governor Bassey Otu for supporting democratic governance through the provision of an operational vehicle, a secretariat and an open-door policy for political parties.