CLO Urges South-East to End Political Apathy, Alleges Bribery in Voter Registration Exercise

The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Anambra State Branch, has expressed concern over what it described as the poor level of political participation in the South-East, urging residents of the region to embrace the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise as a critical step toward reclaiming political relevance.

The organisation also called for an investigation into allegations that some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State were extorting prospective voters seeking to register or collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

Speaking at a press conference in Awka on Thursday, the Chairman of the CLO in Anambra State, Evangelist Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, lamented that the South-East consistently records the lowest voter registration and turnout during elections, a situation he said has contributed to the region’s political marginalisation.

Addressing journalists on the theme, “Our Destiny Is in Our Hands,” Ezekwueme said many eligible voters in the region have remained indifferent to the electoral process despite its importance in determining the country’s political and socio-economic direction.

According to him, voter apathy has become a major obstacle to the South-East’s political influence, noting that while citizens in other regions actively participate in elections, many people in the South-East spend election days engaging in leisure activities instead of exercising their civic rights.

He said the organisation was disturbed that less than 20 per cent of registered voters in the region reportedly participate in elections, describing the trend as the foundation of the South-East’s political setbacks.

The CLO called on political leaders, traditional rulers, religious organisations, civil society groups, market associations and youth bodies across the South-East to embark on aggressive mobilisation and voter education campaigns to encourage eligible citizens to register and vote.

The organisation urged residents to encourage family members, neighbours and friends to obtain their voter cards, stressing that political participation, rather than apathy, remains the only path to meaningful representation.

While acknowledging that many citizens have become disillusioned following the outcome of the 2023 presidential election, Ezekwueme insisted that withdrawing from the electoral process would only weaken the region’s political standing.

“Apathy and withdrawal will not give us power. Participation will,” he said.

The CLO also urged governors of the five South-East states to appoint Senior Special Advisers on Continuous Voter Registration and Electoral Matters to coordinate grassroots mobilisation, liaise with INEC and address administrative challenges affecting voter registration.

The organisation argued that such appointments would strengthen voter education and improve participation in future elections.

On allegations of irregularities during the ongoing CVR exercise, the CLO called on the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner to investigate reports that some INEC officials were demanding between ₦2,000 and ₦5,000 from prospective registrants before registering them or releasing their Permanent Voter Cards.

The group cited a case involving the daughter of a resident, Hon. Chief Anthony Nnaji, who allegedly visited the INEC office in Onitsha South Local Government Area three times without obtaining her voter card after officials reportedly demanded ₦3,000.

Describing the allegations as disturbing, the organisation said any form of extortion during voter registration undermines democracy and discourages citizens from participating in elections.

The CLO urged the electoral commission to identify and sanction any officials found culpable while ensuring that voter registration and PVC collection remain free as stipulated by law.

The organisation further appealed to residents of the South-East to take advantage of the extension of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise by INEC to register and prepare to participate actively in future elections.

“Our destiny and destination are in our hands. Register. Mobilise. Vote. Reclaim our voice and reclaim our honour,” Ezekwueme said.

Other members of the CLO State Executive who attended the press conference included the Secretary of the organisation, Comrade Chidi Mbah, alongside Comrades Damian Ogudike, Peter Oke, Dom Williams Nwarunta, Onyeka Obi, Ambassador Chinyere Amah, Dr. Arimah, Comrade Umeogbolu and other officials.