Anambra guber: Stakeholders raise concern over voter apathy
Ahead of November 8 Anambra State governorship election, stakeholders have warned that rising voter apathy poses a serious threat to democracy, accountability and good governance in the state.
The call was made during a one-day brainstorming meeting held in Awka with the theme ‘Reignite the Voice: Mobilizing for Electoral Participation.’
The event was organised by African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) in partnership with International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC) under the Strengthening Transparency, Accountability and Governance Process (Stage 2 Project).
Participants at the meeting emphasized that credible elections cannot be achieved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alone, but require the active involvement of civil society groups, religious and traditional institutions, security agencies and the media to restore public confidence in the electoral process.
The Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Network and President of IPCRC, Prince Chris Azor said voter apathy has become a deep-rooted challenge that must be addressed through inclusive civic engagement.
He noted that the project aims to strengthen transparency and accountability by empowering citizens to actively participate in governance.
“We must all take responsibility for ensuring credible elections. Addressing apathy, electoral violence and weak civic participation requires joint effort from every sector of society,” Azor stated.
In his welcome remarks, the Executive Director of Centre LSD, Monday Osasah, described elections as the legitimate pathway for democratic development.
He urged participants to translate discussions into concrete action plans that would help improve voter turnout and electoral integrity not just in Anambra, but across the country.
Delivering a goodwill message, the NOA representative, Tagbo Igboka, said the agency has intensified voter sensitisation in communities, but noted that many citizens remain indifferent toward elections.
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He said the forum was timely, providing an opportunity to examine the reasons for apathy and adopt practical solutions before the polls.
Also speaking, the NCWS representative, Lady Theresa Nnalue, expressed concern that voter apathy is growing among women, which could further weaken democratic participation.
She disclosed that her organisation had earlier organized town hall meetings and civic education programs to mobilise women for the upcoming election.
In his keynote address titled “Voter Apathy and the Quest for Effective Grassroots Participation in Governance in Anambra State: Towards Sustainable Solution,” Dr. Henry Duru of the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, identified voter apathy as a deliberate reaction by citizens to distrust in the political system, poor governance, and weak institutional accountability.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders jointly resolved to step up civic and voter education across Anambra communities and to strengthen collaboration among INEC, NOA, civil society organizations, religious and traditional institutions and the media to promote citizens participation and ensure a credible and peaceful election on Nov. 8.
The high level engagement brought together representatives from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), National Orientation Agency (NOA), National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), traditional and religious institutions, youths, civil society organisations and the media.
