Peterside-led GoNigeria rallies first-time voters to beat July 24 registration deadline

A non-partisan civic initiative, GoNigeria, has launched a nationwide voter education campaign urging millions of Nigerians who have recently turned 18 to register ahead of the July 24, 2026, deadline for voter registration.

In a statement issued on Monday by Atedo Peterside, its convener, the group said the campaign is aimed at mobilising one of the largest blocs of first-time voters as preparations gather pace for the 2027 general election.

According to the statement, millions of Nigerians have attained voting age since the last general election and are now eligible to register and participate in the electoral process.

“Since the last general election, millions of Nigerians have turned 18. They are now eligible to register and vote for the first time, and they represent one of the largest blocs of new voters the country has seen going into an election cycle,” the statement said.

The organisation said its nationwide voter education and awareness campaign, tagged “Collect Your Power,” is focused on encouraging young Nigerians to complete their registration before the deadline.

“Through its ‘Collect Your Power’ campaign, GoNigeria reminds young Nigerians that voting is one of the most powerful ways to make their voices heard and that registering is the first step to making it count,” the statement read.

“The message to first-time voters is direct: your participation matters, and your power starts with your registration.”

GoNigeria said it is currently conducting campus tours across tertiary institutions to educate students on the voter registration process while also collaborating with media organisations, civic ambassadors, community groups and digital platforms to expand public awareness.

“GoNigeria is currently running campus tours across tertiary institutions, giving students answers to their questions and clear guidance on how to register,” it said.

Beyond voter registration, the group said its advocacy agenda is anchored on four key pillars—electoral reform, protection of freedom of speech, judicial reform, and the security of life and property.

According to the statement, these issues are essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and improving public confidence in governance.

“This reflects a clear recognition that building a durable democracy in Nigeria requires far more than periodic elections. It depends on strong institutions, protected rights, and security structures that command public trust and ensure accountable governance,” the organisation said.

GoNigeria stressed that it remains non-partisan and does not support or endorse any political party or candidate.

The group urged all eligible Nigerians who have not yet registered to begin the process online before the July 24 deadline and complete their biometric capture before collecting their Permanent Voter Cards ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Every vote matters and securing your power starts with registering to vote,” the statement added.

GoNigeria is an initiative of the Anap Foundation and is supported by 24 advocates, including Aisha Yesufu, Arunma Oteh, Folarin Falana, Matthew Kukah, Muhammad Sanusi II, Muhammad Ali Pate, Osita Chidoka and Yemi Adamolekun, among others.