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Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has blamed Nigeria’s persistent low voter turnout on electoral manipulation and fraudulent practices by determined politicians.
Talking in Port Harcourt on Tuesday on the opening of the First Worldwide Convention on Advancing Politics and Governance for Sustainable Improvement organised by the Centre for Politics, College of Port Harcourt, Otti mentioned widespread voter apathy stems from an absence of belief within the electoral course of.
Represented by former Senate Minority Whip, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Otti lamented that regardless of the billions spent on political mobilisation, voter participation continues to say no.
“There was a gentle decline in voter turnout in successive elections regardless of the rising value of political mobilisation. Folks have develop into disenchanted, particularly after the 2023 common elections.
“Complaining from the sidelines will not be possible. We should start mobilising one of the best of us to pursue the message of a brand new order and make a powerful case for change inside democratic bounds,” he added.
Otti famous that unemployment, poverty, and {economic} hardship throughout Africa stay unjustifiable, stressing that transformation is achievable if residents rediscover their collective energy.
“Our case is just not past redemption. Restoration begins once we recognise our energy as intellectuals, opinion leaders, policymakers, and college students,” he acknowledged.
He known as on African nations to reject political methods that neglect reform, including that participatory democracy and clear governance are key to prosperity.
“We could have misplaced a lot to political indifference and poor governance, however what stays remains to be sufficient to reclaim the long run. We should work with like minds to take again the political course of for progress,” Otti declared.