Yiaga Africa warns that if voter apathy occurs in Anambra 2025, political parties must take full responsibility and improve voter mobilisation efforts.
The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, has said that political parties should bear full responsibility if voter apathy occurs in the Anambra 2025 governorship election, stressing that citizens’ low turnout reflects a failure in communication, trust, and mobilisation by party leaders.
Speaking during Channels Television’s special election coverage programme, “Anambra Decides 2025,” on Saturday, Itodo said the responsibility for inspiring voter participation does not rest on the electoral commission alone but on the political parties who must connect meaningfully with the people.
“If there’s one area where political parties have failed badly, it’s in voter mobilisation,” Itodo said. “In every democracy, voters are the main stakeholders.
“When they stay away from polling stations, parties must take the blame. Either they are not reaching out properly, not communicating their vision, or people no longer trust them.”
Itodo explained that persistent voter apathy across Nigeria, especially in Anambra State, stems from the disconnection between politicians and ordinary citizens.
He said many voters have lost confidence in political actors because they see no clear developmental agenda in their campaigns.
He criticised the widespread practice of inducing voters with money and material items, describing it as short-sighted and destructive to democratic values.
“Enticing people to vote with money is not mobilisation; it’s manipulation,” he said.
“Parties must present real solutions to community problems, not temporary handouts. People want to believe in leaders who understand their struggles and can transform their lives.”
The Yiaga Africa boss urged political parties to invest in civic education and continuous engagement beyond election seasons.
He argued that democracy thrives only when citizens feel seen, heard, and valued by those who seek to govern them.
“People will not turn out to vote when they feel abandoned or deceived,” he warned.
“We must rebuild trust if we want to end voter apathy and strengthen our democracy.”
On security, Itodo identified Anambra South Senatorial District as a major election hotspot due to the strong presence of leading candidates from that zone. Areas such as Ihiala, Nnewi, and Aguata, he said, remain competitive and require close monitoring.
“Aguata is a battleground because multiple top candidates come from there,” he said. “Anambra Central, especially Awka South and Idemili North, are also areas where tensions could rise.”
Despite this, Itodo commended the peaceful start of voting, noting that there had been no reports of violence or major disruptions as of Saturday morning.
“So far, we’ve not recorded any incident that undermines security,” he said. “We must sustain this calm to ensure a credible process.”
He called on citizens to turn out peacefully, assuring them that security agencies were adequately deployed to protect voters and election officials across all local government areas.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) began early deployment of materials and officials in several parts of the state.
In Awka South Local Government Area, ad hoc staff arrived at Community Primary School, Amawbia, around 7:07 a.m., while buses conveying sensitive materials departed St. Matthew Catholic Church for various polling units.
INEC reported that 2,802,790 registered voters were expected to participate across 5,718 polling units in the 21 local government areas of the state.
The election features 16 candidates from various political parties, including Governor Chukwuma Soludo (APGA), Nicholas Ukachukwu (APC), Paul Chukwuma (YPP), George Moghalu (LP), and Jude Ezenwafor (PDP).
Observers noted that early deployment by INEC marked an improvement in logistics management, helping to boost confidence in the commission’s commitment to credible elections.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of the election, Abayomi Shogunle, reassured voters of their safety. He said all identified flashpoints had been secured and that joint operations with the military and other security agencies had neutralised potential threats.
“We’ve deployed adequately to every high-risk location, including Ihiala,” Shogunle stated.
“Our officers are working to ensure that every voter exercises their civic right in peace.”
He appealed to voters to cooperate with security personnel, remain orderly at polling centres, and report any suspicious activity immediately.
As voting continued, Itodo reiterated that rebuilding public trust should be a priority for all political actors. He warned that voter apathy remains one of the greatest threats to Nigeria’s democratic growth, especially when citizens lose faith in electoral promises.
“Voter apathy undermines legitimacy,” he said. “A government cannot truly claim to represent the people if only a small fraction of citizens participate in choosing it.”
He called for sustained reforms to deepen civic engagement, ensure transparency in governance, and strengthen accountability mechanisms.
According to him, when political parties and leaders communicate sincerely and deliver on promises, citizens will naturally return to the polls in larger numbers.
“If we want to change the story of voter apathy, we must make politics meaningful again,” he concluded. “People will vote when they believe their votes truly matter.”
As the Anambra 2025 governorship election progresses, analysts and observers agree that the outcome will not only determine leadership in the state but also serve as a test of Nigeria’s democratic maturity.
While INEC has shown improved operational readiness and security agencies have ensured a peaceful environment, the ultimate success of the exercise depends on how well political parties address voter apathy—not just during elections but through continuous citizen engagement afterward.
With civic groups like Yiaga Africa pushing for accountability and political reform, there is growing hope that Anambra’s 2025 poll could mark a turning point in restoring public confidence and reversing the tide of voter apathy across the country.
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