PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL : February 16th, 2023
ORIADE LCDA : PLS PARTNERS GROUP TO LAUNCH PROJECT ON INCREASED VOTERS PARTICIPATION
“the use of data and digital systems to increase voter participation in elections will create a culture of participatory democracy.” – PLS
A Non-governmental Organisation, Asiwaju Grassroot Team (AGT) has launched an aggressive campaign to re-orientate the populace on the need to fulfill their National Obligations as the 2023 general elections draws nigh.
The Seminar themed on the topic – “National Voting Fortune” was held at Oraide LCDA in Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency with the primary title -Political Envagelism : Raising Active voters above 50%” a deliberate effort aimed at increasing voters’ participation in electoral process in Nigeria.
Push News 24 International had recently reported the level of political apathy that thrives in Nigeria regarding voters’ participation and also analysed its implications on the democratic process.
Announcing the launch of the project in Oriade LCDA, a community which is home to majority of the indigenous communities in Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, the AGT Leader, noted that democracy is built on the principle of participation where all citizens are expected to play active roles.
This, according to him, defines the art of nation-building where everyone is involved.
All Progressives Congress (APC) Stalwart and House of Representative Candidate for Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, Prince Lanre A. Sanusi (PLS) in his keynote address, said
“In a democratic country like Nigeria, one of the metrics of measuring our democratic status is highlighted by regular elections.
“Since 1999 when the country returned to democracy, after a long hiatus with military rule, the country has held six elections. Some of the low points of these elections have been massive electoral apathy influenced by factors such as electoral violence, political thuggery, rigging, etc.
“Nonetheless, elections are what determine the quality of leadership a country has. Growing political apathy harms the development of the country. This is one of the reasons why we have decided to partner AGT on the need to shore up eligible voting population to above 50% in Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency,” PLS said.
The US trained Financial Advisor advised that “the use of data and digital systems will help to increase voter participation in elections and create a culture of the anticipated over 50% participatory democracy.”
“My collaborations with AGT is set out to educate Nigerians and indeed Amuwo Odofin Constituents on the need to actively participate in the electoral process. We shall also be advocating for free, fair and peaceful elections. The process of electing public officials must be transparent and citizens must exercise their franchise without fear.
“This campaign will also address issues such as voter education, electoral violence, getting voters card and making the electoral laws accessible to more citizens. As the February 2023 elections approach us, my mission with AGT is to play an active role in increasing participation in elections, especially among young people in Oriade LCDA and Amuwo Odofin LGA.”
“As a group of interest, We will be working with various stakeholders including INEC, community-based organizations, religious institutions, youth led and women groups as well as the media to make this re-orientation a success. We will also fashion out ways to erase barriers to greater political participation. It is important we increase people’s participation in the electoral process and make it more meaningful.”
Sanusi stressed that ballots that are rejected during the vote count are widely attributed to inadequate civic and voter education.
” To put this in context, over one million votes cast in the Nigerian presidential election in 2011 were rejected during counting; mainly because the ballots were wrongly marked. The rejected votes constitute about 3.2% of all votes cast in that election. According to observers, this figure is high and could have been markedly lower with adequate voter education.”
“At the same time, there have been rapid declines in the turnout of voters in elections across Nigeria. For instance, the voter turnout in the 2019 presidential election dropped to 35% from 44% in the 2015 elections. That 44% turnout was also a decline from 54% attained in the 2011 polls. Indeed, statistics show that the voter turnout for Nigerian presidential elections has been dropping since 2003.”
“We urge Nigerians of voting age who are yet to register to take advantage of this opportunity to get registered and prepare to exercise their franchise when the need arises even after the 2023 general elections.”
PLS further commended Amuwo Odofin Constituents for their support for him so far and urging them to vote overwhelmingly for all the APC in Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency.