The Centre for Transparency Advocacy (CTA) and Koyenum Immalah Foundation (KIF) have urged voters in Anambra State to shun violence, reject vote buying and resist electoral malpractice as they intensify grassroots sensitization ahead of the November 8 gubernatorial election.
The groups made the call during a sensitization campaign to communities in Orumba South Local Government Area, including Umunze, Ezira and Nawfija, stressing the importance of peaceful and credible participation in the polls.
Addressing journalists, Mr. MacDonald Ekemezie, Programmes and Communications Manager at CTA and Programme Director at KIF, explained that the campaign was designed to remind citizens that their votes remain their voice and power.
“Our aim is to sensitize voters in Orumba South to be aware that their vote counts and should not be sold. We are urging them to avoid violence, shun vote buying, and reject any form of rigging or electoral malpractice,” Ekemezie said.
He added that the sensitization was taken to markets, motor parks, community halls and other public spaces to reach citizens at the grassroots, while also engaging with INEC to ensure proper conduct of the election.
Civil society advocate, Dr. Dennis Ekemezie, described the exercise as timely and impactful, commending CTA for taking the message to the grassroots despite security challenges.
He noted the cooperation of drivers, market women, and community members, stressing that peaceful participation would guarantee a credible outcome in the polls.
The Chief Orientation and Mobilization Officer of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Orumba South, Mrs. Pet Anake, while speaking, emphasized the agency’s role in promoting civic values during elections. According to her, traditional rulers and community leaders have been instrumental in mobilizing citizens through churches, markets, and village gatherings.
Some participants, including Mr. Ali Sunday, a tricycle operator, and Mrs. Chinyere Eze, a food vendor, expressed satisfaction with the sensitization programme, pledging to spread the message of peaceful and credible participation in their communities
