Demsa Selected for Christopher Network’s PVC Drive

Shettima Afartya

With preparations for the forthcoming elections gathering pace, the Christopher Online Network (CON) has begun a grassroots campaign aimed at encouraging more people to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and take an active role in the democratic process.

The initiative, which officially commenced in Demsa Local Government Area, marks the first phase of a statewide voter awareness and mobilisation programme. Organisers say Demsa was selected as the pilot location because it will serve as a model for similar campaigns planned across Adamawa State.

At the flag-off ceremony held at Mboiman Square, the State Youth Leader of the Christopher Online Network, Jonathan Samari Yanatam, said the campaign goes beyond politics, describing it as a civic responsibility to encourage eligible citizens to register for and collect their Permanent Voter Cards, participate in elections, and engage in the democratic process.

According to him, the campaign also provides an opportunity for residents to register as members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) while strengthening grassroots structures ahead of the elections.

The event brought together members of the Christopher Online Network and Chairmen of the SDP from Borrong, Gwamba and Dilli Wards, where participants discussed practical ways to improve voter education, community outreach and grassroots mobilisation.

Chairman of the SDP in Borrong Ward, Comrade Robinson Rabo Muja, said the Demsa pilot programme would provide valuable lessons for expanding the campaign to other parts of Adamawa State. He expressed optimism that sustained voter education and community engagement would encourage greater participation in the electoral process.

For many of those in attendance, the campaign was as much about civic participation as it was about politics.

One of the supporters, Miss Pachem Otiniel, appealed to young people not to remain on the sidelines during the election season. She urged them to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and become active participants in shaping the future of their communities.

“Elections are decided at the polling units, not on social media,” she said, adding that the PVC remains the most effective tool for citizens to exercise their constitutional right to choose their leaders.

Miss Otiniel also declared her support for the SDP gubernatorial candidate, Hon. Christopher Nathaniel, saying she believes he has the vision and leadership qualities needed to move Adamawa State forward. She encouraged voters to carefully evaluate candidates and make informed choices based on their convictions.

Organisers said the Demsa campaign is only the beginning of a wider mobilisation effort that will be extended to other local government areas, with the aim of increasing voter awareness, strengthening grassroots participation and encouraging more citizens to play an active role in the state democratic process.