Nov 8 Guber: SIDEC Calls for End to Voter Apathy in Anambra
Lawrence Ndubeze
The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has issued a fervent call to registered voters in Anambra State to shun voter apathy and participate in the upcoming governorship election scheduled for November 8, 2025.
According to SIDEC’s Executive Director, Ugochi Ehiahuruike, active citizen participation is the cornerstone of democracy, and voting is crucial in shaping the future of Anambra State.
The call came against the backdrop of the 2021 governorship election, which recorded a dismal voter turnout of about 10%, one of the lowest in Nigeria’s electoral history.
However, with the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise concluding with 2.8 million registered voters in Anambra, SIDEC is optimistic about a massive turnout in the forthcoming polls.
SIDEC emphasized that voting is not just a right but a responsibility that influences leadership choices, ensures accountability, and shapes policies impacting daily life, including education, healthcare, job creation, and infrastructure.
The organization warned that voter apathy can lead to leadership that does not reflect the will of the people, weakened accountability, and perpetuate underdevelopment.
The statement fully read:
“As Anambra State prepares for the forthcoming governorship election, The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), through its Project Impact, is calling on all registered voters to come out on November 8, 2025, to vote for the candidate of their choice, thereby making their voices count.
“This call is made against the backdrop of the 2021 governorship election, where about 10 per cent of registered voters voted, being one of the lowest in Nigeria’s electoral history.
“With the recent Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise concluded, Anambra now has 2.8 million registered voters. SIDEC expects a massive turnout in this poll.
“Active citizen participation is the bedrock of democracy. When citizens vote, they make their count, influencing leadership choices, ensuring accountability, and shaping policies that directly impact their daily lives—whether in education, healthcare, job creation, or infrastructure.
“By exercising their franchise, Ndi Anambra will demonstrate ownership of their future by strengthening the legitimacy of governance.
“Not voting has damaging consequences. It creates room for leadership that does not reflect the will of the people, weakens accountability, and leaves citizens powerless in decision-making processes. Apathy also emboldens bad governance and perpetuates the cycle of underdevelopment.
“SIDEC appeals to traditional leaders, religious institutions, youth and women groups, and civil society organisations to join hands in mobilising communities. Every single vote matters, and citizens’ participation is critical in determining the future of Anambra State.
“Project IMPACT, SIDEC’s flagship intervention, is working towards increasing participation to at least 25 per cent turnout in the upcoming polls. This initiative is made possible with the generous support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room.”
