The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) says active participation of traders across various markets in Anambra State is critical to achieving increased voter turnout during the forthcoming governorship election in the area.
Out of over 2.6 million total registered voters ahead of 2021 election, only 92,000 came out to cast their votes, a reality SIDEC is out to improve upon under its Project IMPACT – Inclusive Mobilization for Participation, Advocacy, and Civic Transformation.
Project IMPACT is implemented in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room in collaboration with funding support from UK-FCDO.
Speaking to traders at Ochanja market in Onitsha, Executive Director of SIDEC, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, stressed the need for traders to see good governance as a product of collective efforts of both leaders and all citizens.
“It is not their government but out government. We all must take ownership of government and one way to do that is to cast our votes for any candidate of our choice.
“In this election, do not leave the right to decide the next governor for a negligibly few citizens. Be patriotic. Come out and cast your vote.
Election day not for football
“November 8, 2025 is not a day for football competition. It is not a day to watch movies and films in seasons. It is a day to decide the destiny of Anambra State for the next four years.
“Even when you decide not to vote, those who vote determine our political destiny and direction for the next four years.
“Come out and be counted. INEC has assured that every vote must count. It is time to speak loudly with our voter’s cards.”
She equally called on all stakeholders especially candidates and their supporters to prioritize the peace of the state.
“The peace of Anambra State is not negotiable. We need peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the poll. I appeal to all stakeholders to give peace a chance.
“I appeal to all mothers here and even fathers to advise their children to stay out of trouble. It does not blow anyone any good.
She told the gathering that INEC has promised to make arrangements for inclusive process calling on persons with disability to join other citizens in exercising their franchise.
“Your voice matters. Your vote counts. Do not be discouraged. INEC has promised to make braille ballots, magnifying glasses available in polling units where PWDs will vote. We are strongly hoping that they will make good the promise.
SIDEC lauded
Responding, Mr Samson Okeke, The Vice Chairman of the market, appreciated the efforts by SIDEC to keep citizens informed of what is expected of them ahead of the election.
“I thank SIDEC for this voter education programme. You have told us everything we need to know to make informed choices.
“We have seen that the electoral process is being improved upon. We will mobilize fellow traders to go out enmasse on the election day to elect a candidate of their choice as our next governor.
“I believe that with all the changes you have informed us about, our votes will count this time around.
“On vote buying, we have heard it loud and clear – when we sell our votes for peanut, we suffer collectively for the next four years.
SIDEC team members and the traders later went round the market sharing voter education materials while encouraging all traders to come out and vote for their preferred candidates.
