Monday, July 20, 2026

PVC proof of civic responsibility, not party loyalty: Desmond Elliot

Mr Elliott said this shortly after casting his vote at Onitolo Nursery/Primary School, Unit 009, in Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday.

• July 12, 2025
Desmond Elliot
Desmond Elliot [Credit; Vanguard News]

The member representing Surulere 1 Constituency in the Lagos House of Assembly, Desmond Elliot, says the Permanent Voter Card remains proof of civic responsibility, rather than a measure of party loyalty.

Mr Elliott said this shortly after casting his vote at Onitolo Nursery/Primary School, Unit 009, in Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday.

The Lagos government is conducting elections for chairmanship and councillorship positions across all 20 local government areas and 37 local development council areas.

“PVC does not mean voting for my party. It means exercising your civic responsibility,” he said.

According to him, it’s unfair for individuals to seek government support without contributing to the democratic process through voting.

“You can’t sit at home and later come to seek help from people who others sacrificed to vote into power,” he said.

Mr Elliot described the turnout of the election as slightly low but expressed optimism that more voters would show up as the day progressed.

The lawmaker noted that local government elections should attract more participation than presidential polls due to their direct impact on daily life.

“Development begins at the grassroots level. With powers and revenue now devolved to local governments, this election holds significant importance.

“The outcome of this election will have a direct impact on the lives of citizens, making it crucial for voters to exercise their franchise wisely and elect leaders who will prioritise their needs and drive development in their areas,” he said.

He advocated increased public discussion about the responsibilities of local governments, highlighting their critical role in primary healthcare, market management, and maintenance of inner roads.

The lawmaker commended the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission for the orderly conduct of the election.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc

Economy

CSCS declares N1 interim dividend after half-year earnings

The company noted that the interim dividend represented 56 per cent of the total dividend of N1.78 per share paid for the 2025 financial year.

kids inside classroom

Health

Mental health key to attaining excellence in children, says expert

He said children perform better academically and socially when the learning environment supports their emotional well-being.

Ifeanyi Okowa And Ned Nwoko

States

Court dismisses Ned Nwoko’s suit challenging Okowa’s candidacy for Delta North senatorial district

The Federal High Court, Abuja, rejected Mr Nwoko’s suit seeking to void Mr Okowa’s emergence as the APC candidate for the Delta North senatorial district.

Police officers

Heading 1

Reps begin review of state police bill

“The House and the Senate are working in tandem with each other to make sure that the significant amendments are achieved,” he said.

Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF)

Economy

Nigeria’s $40 billion net foreign reserves validate Tinubu’s economic reforms: TSF

“The increase from about $3 billion to more than $40 billion within three years, therefore, represents a substantial strengthening of Nigeria’s financial buffers,” the group said.

Andy Burnham

Heading 4

Andy Burnham takes over as UK’s prime minister, vows to end homelessness

“On my first day as Prime Minister, I’m announcing this government’s commitment to finally end long-term rough sleeping across the UK at the earliest opportunity,” he said.