Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has blamed the persistent low voter turnout in Nigeria on electoral manipulation and fraudulent practices allegedly perpetrated by desperate politicians.
Speaking in Port Harcourt during the opening of the First International Conference on Advancing Politics and Governance for Sustainable Development, organised by the Centre for Politics, University of Port Harcourt, Otti said the lack of transparency in the electoral system had destroyed public trust.
He warned that unless integrity is restored in the political process, citizens would continue to lose confidence in democracy.
Electoral Fraud Fuelling Voter Apathy
Represented by former Senate Minority Chief Whip, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, the governor noted that voter participation had continued to decline despite the large sums spent on political mobilization.
“You find out that there is a continued decline in voter turnout in successive elections despite the rising cost of political mobilization. People have become disenchanted, especially after the 2023 general elections,” Otti said.
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He added that the failure of political leaders to uphold fairness and justice during elections had left many Nigerians feeling powerless and alienated from the system.
Call for Democratic Reforms
Otti urged Nigerians, particularly intellectuals, policymakers, and community leaders—to take active roles in rebuilding the nation’s democratic institutions.
“Complaining from the sidelines will no longer be feasible,” he said. “We must begin mobilizing the best of us to pursue the message of a new order and make a strong case for change within democratic bounds.”
Restoring Hope in Governance
The governor further decried the rising levels of unemployment, poverty, and economic hardship across Africa, describing them as symptoms of failed governance.
He emphasized that national recovery was possible if citizens collectively demanded accountability and fairness from their leaders.
“The restoration of our democracy and economy depends on rediscovering our collective strength,” he said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
