Ahead of the Anambra State gubernatorial election on November 8, 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 'Reviving the Voice: Mobilizing for Electoral Participation'.
The event was organized by the African Center for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) in partnership with the International Peace and Civic Responsibility Center (IPRC) under the Strengthening Transparency, Accountability and Governance Processes (Stage 2 Project).
Participants at the meeting stressed that credible elections cannot be achieved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alone, but require the active participation of civil society groups, religious and traditional institutions, security agencies and the media to restore public confidence in the electoral process.
Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Network and Chairman of the IPCRC, Prince Chris Azor, said voter apathy has become a deep challenge that must be addressed through inclusive civic engagement.
He said the project aims to strengthen transparency and accountability by empowering citizens to actively participate in governance.
Azor said, “We must all take responsibility for ensuring credible elections. Addressing apathy, electoral violence and weak citizen participation requires a joint effort from every sector of society.”
In his welcome address, Monday Osasa, Executive Director of Center LSD, described elections as a legitimate path to democratic development.
He urged the participants to translate the discussions into concrete action plans that will help improve voter turnout and electoral integrity not only in Anambra, but across the country.
Delivering a goodwill message, NOA representative, Tagbo Igboka, said the agency has increased voter awareness in the communities, but noted that many citizens remain indifferent to the elections.
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He said this forum is timely, providing an opportunity to examine the reasons for apathy and adopt practical solutions ahead of the elections.
Also speaking, NCWS representative, Lady Theresa Naluye, expressed concern that voter apathy among women is increasing, which could further weaken democratic participation.
She revealed that her organization had previously organized town hall meetings and civic education programs to mobilize women for the upcoming elections.
In his keynote address titled “Voter Apathy and the Exploration of Effective Grassroots Participation in Governance in Anambra State: Towards Sustainable Solutions”, Dr. Henry Duru of the Department of Mass Communication, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, identified voter apathy as a deliberate response by citizens to distrust in the political system, poor governance and weak institutional accountability.
At the end of the meeting, stakeholders jointly resolved to strengthen collaboration between INEC, NOA, civil society organizations, religious and traditional institutions and the media to enhance civic and voter education in Anambra communities and promote citizen participation and ensure a credible and peaceful election on November 8.
The high-level participation brought together representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), National Orientation Agency (NOA), National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC), traditional and religious institutions, youth, civil society organizations and the media.
