The Ilorin Emirate Political Advisory Council has unveiled an ambitious plan to grow its voter base to one million as part of a strategic push toward the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a media briefing in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the council’s National Coordinator, Dr. Yakub Oloriegbe, reviewed progress made since the commencement of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise last year, describing the outcome so far as encouraging.
The council disclosed that the target would be achieved by adding at least 300,000 new voters to the existing pool of over 700,000 registered voters across Kwara Central Senatorial District.
According to the council, findings from its second-quarter assessment indicate steady growth in voter registration across communities within the emirate, with expectations rising ahead of the next phase of the exercise.
“With the third phase set to begin soon, we are confident that ongoing efforts will help us reach an average of one million registered voters by the end of the exercise,” the council stated.
To drive this goal, the council said it has intensified mobilisation at the grassroots level, partnering with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, artisans, transport unions, and market groups to encourage wider participation.
It also revealed ongoing collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to boost voter education and awareness, ensuring that eligible residents understand the importance of registering and obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).
Commending stakeholders for their contributions so far, the council urged them to maintain the current momentum as the exercise progresses.
Beyond registration, the council signalled a clear political stance ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that the Ilorin Emirate would adopt a unified front.
It declared its intention to support only political parties and candidates that acknowledge its political relevance and align with its interests.
“We shall collectively rally behind any political party or aspirant that recognises our pre-eminence and reflects the aspirations of the Ilorin Emirate,” the council affirmed.
The council further noted that grassroots mobilisation would continue, with the aim of delivering up to one million bloc votes to any platform that accords the emirate its rightful place in Kwara State’s political landscape.
While reaffirming its openness and inclusivity, the council warned against any attempt to undermine the demographic strength and political significance of Kwara Central Senatorial District.
It also called on all eligible residents to take advantage of the ongoing CVR exercise, describing voter registration and PVC collection as vital tools for democratic participation.
