By David Onwuchekwa
As part of efforts to ensure a free, fair, and credible governorship election on November 8 in Anambra State, the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has intensified its voter education campaign across the state.
On Thursday, the Executive Director of SIDEC, Mrs. Ugochi Ehiahuruike, led her team to the Agboedo Motor Spare Parts Association, Nnewi, in Nnewi North Local Government Area, where traders turned out in large numbers for a one-day sensitization programme.
Addressing the traders, Mrs. Ehiahuruike urged eligible voters to shun vote buying and resist any attempt by desperate politicians to manipulate them for personal gain. She reaffirmed SIDEC’s commitment to continuous engagement with communities, associations, youth groups, and first-time voters to promote integrity and transparency in the electoral process.
She also appealed to civil society organizations, community leaders, faith-based groups, and the media to intensify voter education campaigns to combat the growing menace of vote buying and voter apathy.
In a statement issued during the event, SIDEC expressed deep concern over the persistence of vote buying in elections across Nigeria, including recent by-elections in Anambra State.
“There were disturbing evidences of widespread financial inducements at polling units. Voters were openly approached with envelopes of cash, food items, and promises of future favors,” the statement read.
“These practices undermine the credibility of the electoral process and discourage competent candidates from contesting, knowing they cannot compete with moneybags. It is a dangerous trend that cheapens democracy and mortgages the people’s future for temporary gain.”
Mrs. Ehiahuruike further stressed that vote buying empowers unqualified politicians who view public office as an investment rather than a platform for service.
“When elections are dominated by money rather than merit, the result is poor governance, unfulfilled promises, and the recycling of mediocrity,” she noted.
“Every time citizens sell their votes, they surrender their voice, their right to demand accountability, and the opportunity for good governance. Vote buying is not only an attack on democracy but also an attack on our collective dignity.”
She reminded voters that “the ballot is our most powerful weapon for change”, urging them to see elections not as opportunities to collect money but as a chance to determine the quality of leadership and the future of the state.
The SIDEC Executive Director also encouraged traders to prioritize persons with disabilities, visibly pregnant women, and the elderly during voting.
In his response, Mr. Kennedy Oguagu, Chairman of the Agboedo Motor Spare Parts Association, commended SIDEC for the initiative, describing the sensitization as timely and necessary for ensuring a credible electoral process.
The association’s Publicity Secretary, Brother Ibeh Peter, echoed the Chairman’s remarks, emphasizing the importance of sustained enlightenment to eliminate practices that hinder smooth elections.
Some traders who attended the event, including Mrs. Amaka Obi, Chisom Onwuka, and Okechukwu Ifeoma, expressed appreciation for the sensitization and pledged to participate actively and responsibly in the forthcoming election.
