Ahead of the 2026 Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Elections, the councillorship candidate, AMAC Wuse ward under the Labour Party, Hon. Ejiro Okpihwo has urged Nigerians to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and actively participate in the voting process to prevent electoral malpractice.
Okpihwo while speaking in Abuja on Tuesday at the 10th Much Emerging Leaders Summit and Uncommon Mentorship Awards noted that rigging of election is dominant in places where there are low turnout of voters but advised Nigerians to key into the new Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) move to ensure continuous registration process.
“Talking about these people leading us now, once the people are not there, they will rig the election because people are not there to monitor the election and also follow the election to returning officers.
“That’s where the problem is, normally they rig places that they see that the turnout was small or was not good. So that’s what they do. So I’m urging Nigerians to please come out and do their voters card now and make it a point of duty to be out to vote before the election for 2027.”. he added.
Meanwhile, Okpihwo a recipient of the award for the girl-child at the event expressed his admiration for youth-focused initiatives, noting their power to inspire and drive change.
He described how deeply moved he was by the confidence and eloquence displayed by young participants, particularly a young girl who emerged as the president of her group.
“I feel great to witness such innovative activities. This event truly motivated me,” he said. “It’s encouraging to see young people, especially girls, being empowered and taking bold steps toward leadership.”
Okpihwo revealed that he personally voted for the young girl due to her impressive performance, contrasting her courage and articulation with the perceived inaction of some lawmakers.
“If a young child can speak with such passion and clarity, what then are our leaders in the National Assembly doing? Many of them sleep on duty and fail to raise motions that benefit their constituencies. It doesn’t make sense,” he added.
Reflecting on his own political journey, Okpihwo shared that he has been addressed as “Honorable” since 2013 when he first contested for office. “I give God the glory because the name is becoming a reality now,” he said.
He concluded by emphasizing the importance of identity and belief, noting that the titles and recognition given to young people today can shape their future.
“That girl may not become president tomorrow, but she could become the wife of a president. Names carry favor and can define destinies,” he said.