Executive Director, Social and Integral Development Centre, (SIDEC) Ugochi Ehiahuruike, says the choice of markets for the group’s voter education campaign is a strategic measure to targeted at citizens who take less interest in politics and elections.
According to Ehiahuruike, traders who constitute a huge percentage of Anambra citizens, often see election as “their responsibility”
She made the call during a market voter sensitization programme at Ogbo ofu in Ekwulobia organized under Project IMPACT being implemented by SIDEC.
Project IMPACT is implemented in Anambra in collaboration with Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room with funding support from UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Addressing traders, Ehiahuruike said – “We choose markets because we know we will meet a good number of people here. Several markets in Ekwulobia, if all come out to vote and those in other markets across the state, we will achieve up to 30% voter turnout.
“But, most often, traders stay away from polling units on election day. They say it does not concern them.
“We are here to mobilize all of you both men and women traders. As long as you’re a Nigerian and you are up to 18 years, and you have your voter’s card, you’re eligible to vote.
“Project IMPACT is all about inclusion, advocacy and civic transformation in the electoral system. Apathy does not help anyone.
“Even when you think you don’t vote, your decision has contributed immensely to the eventual emerge of any of the candidates. So, you need to get involved in electing your own governor on November 8, 2025.
“Reserve that day for the election. Do not open your shop. Go out and vote. Those of you who registered recently, you will collect your PVCs from next week.
On inclusion, the ED SIDEC noted with dissatisfaction that there was no participant with disability in attendance. “Persons with disabilities are not carried along here. Please look into it as inclusion is not about charity but right.
No to electoral violence
Ehiahuruike noted that electoral violence is a criminal act urging participants not to get involved. “Say no to violence. No politician’s ambition is worth your life.”
She called on the people to respect the provision for priority voting as contained in the amended Electoral Act 2022.
“Let’s allow PWDs, old people, pregnant women, nursing and breastfeeding mothers the opportunity to cast their votes first before every other person.
“Also, do not spread fake news ahead of election. It is capable of heightening political tension.
She equally warned against vote trading. Without a seller, there will be no buyer. Politicians know that we are willing to sell our votes that is why they come for it.
Vote trading is also a proof that your votes count. If votes don’t count, they will not come to buy it.
“Your vote is your power. If your votes don’t count, they will not be coming to you to buy your vote. Say no to vote buying and selling.
Avoid invalid votes
Ehiahuruike educated the people on to avoid void/invalid votes. “Don’t say you want to satisfy your conscience and thump print for every party that give your money. Such is void and useless.
“Report vote buying to us or to security agencies. If we don’t stop vote buying and selling, we will not get it right.
A member of the SIDEC team, Chioma Enwereuzor, said there are 16 political parties are vying urging participations to stay away from electoral offences.
“Electoral Act provides penalties for various electoral offences. They attract various penalties including fine and jail terms.
The Chairman Ekwulobia Traders and Allied Workers Association, Eberechukwu Nnofu, appreciated the efforts of SIDEC and its partners targeting increased citizens’ participation in the electoral process.
We will do our best to ensure that our traders come out to cast their votes. We will encourage them to get their voter’s card ready for the day of election.
One of the participants, Rochas Okoli called on government to take care of insecurity which he noted discourage many citizens from coming out for elections.
Another trader, Nnamdi Onwura stressed the need to ensure that no one is above the Electoral Act.
“A situation where the poor suffer while the rich who engage them go scot-free does not augur well for the electoral system,” he submitted.
The market voter education programme also features shop to shop sensitization to drive the message of Project IMPACT.
