Lawrence Ndubeze, Awka
The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) West Africa has led civil society organizations in Anambra State on an awareness rally aimed at encouraging citizen participation in the forthcoming governorship election and discouraging vote-buying.
The rally, which kicked off at Okpuno Junction along the Onitsha–Enugu Expressway, moved through Regina Caeli Road, Zik Avenue, and other major streets in Awka.
Participants wore advocacy vests and carried placards and banners with inscriptions such as “Protect Your Mandate” and “Don’t Sell Your Vote.” They also distributed flyers to motorists and pedestrians, promoting active voter participation and discouraging electoral malpractice.
Addressing journalists, Chibuike Mgbeahuruike, Election Consultant for CDD West Africa, said the exercise was part of a series of activities organized by the CDD in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
He said the road rally, tagged “Mandate Protection Campaign,” was designed to combat voter apathy and vote-buying, which he described as major threats to Nigeria’s democracy and electoral integrity.
“This is one of CDD’s weeklong activities in Anambra aimed at sensitizing the electorate and the general public to be ready to exercise their franchise on November 8,” he said.
“The idea is to remind citizens that voting is their constitutional right and mandate. Selling their vote means selling their rights, voice, and opinion.”
Mgbeahuruike lamented the low voter turnout recorded in previous elections in Anambra and urged citizens to change their attitude by actively participating in the electoral process.
He emphasized that continuous participation is essential for democratic change, stressing that abstaining from voting only empowers politicians to act without accountability.
“Voting is the only opportunity citizens have to choose their leaders. If we don’t vote, we lose the power to demand good governance,” he said.
He also advised voters to remain at polling stations after casting their ballots to ensure their votes are properly counted and protected.
Speaking at the event, Chris Azor, President of the International Peace and Civil Responsibility Centre and Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Network, described the campaign as the culmination of sustained civic voter education efforts ahead of the poll.
Azor recalled that the last governorship election in Anambra recorded only about 10 percent turnout, despite a voter population of nearly three million.
He said the low turnout remains a major concern, adding that democracy thrives only when citizens actively participate.
“We are intentionally partnering with CDD, the Situation Room, and FCDO to protect the people’s votes and mandates because we believe votes count—and politicians know this. That’s why they try to discourage voter turnout,” he stated.
Azor noted that the Mandate Protection Campaign seeks to inspire citizens to not only vote but also ensure that their votes truly count. He commended CDD and its partners for their commitment to ensuring credible elections through public engagement and the training of special observers to detect electoral malpractices.
He also lauded the collaboration with the media and other CSOs in combating fake news and information disorder during the election period.
