Yemi Obafemi
The Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, has called on political parties participating in the ongoing Anambra State Governorship Election to focus on presenting clear and believable developmental programmes rather than resorting to inducements to attract voters.
Speaking to journalists on Saturday during the election, Itodo lamented that most political parties have failed in voter mobilisation and engagement, stressing that parties should take full responsibility for low voter turnout.
“I think if there’s one aspect most political parties have failed, it’s in voter mobilisation. If parties are serious about electoral competition, voters are their major clients and targets,” he said.
“If voters are not showing up, parties should take full responsibility. It’s either they’re not communicating effectively, not reaching voters, or voters don’t trust them. Enticing people to show up is unacceptable. Parties must outline clear developmental programmes that voters can believe in.”
Itodo also highlighted areas identified as election hotspots, particularly in Anambra South, including Ihiala, Nnewi, and Aguata, which he described as a battleground senatorial district since most of the major party candidates hail from there.
He added that Anambra Central, Awka South, and Idemili North were also highly competitive zones in the election.
On the general atmosphere of the poll, Itodo noted that, so far, Yiaga Africa had not recorded any incident capable of undermining the security or integrity of the election.
“So far, we haven’t recorded any incident undermining the security of this election,” he said.
