The number of voters in Anambra State jumps from 1.7 to 2.5 million

NDUBISI Nwokeabia, the chief Orientation and Mobilisation officer, has said there has been an increase in number of registered voters in Anambra State.

Nwokeabia noted that the increase which was from 1.7 to 2.5 million votes signaled tremendous improvements in the political fortunes of the state.

He made this known at the flag off campaign against invalid/void votes held at Onitsha South Local Government Area, headquarters.

The officer attributed the improvements to the hard work of the state government, who according to him has not left any stones unturned in developing and creating political awareness at the grassroots.

Nwokeabia addressing stakeholders and representatives of various unions, associations and relevant bodies, noted that the challenges of invalid and void votes during election require proper education and critical information.

This, he said, would prepare the electorate to participate fully in the upcoming election.

He noted that the cause of invalid/void vote include inadequate voter education by political parties, which resulted in massive and irredeemable waste of votes.

The Orientation and Mobilisation officer, however, pointed to a testified voter education programme, as one of the ways to check and correct the problems.

Ogunsheye Olayinka, the Onitsha South Independent Electoral Commission, INEC, electoral officer, said that the turnout of people who came to collect their Permanent Voters’ Card, PVC, at the Ward to Ward exercise was encouraging.

Olayinka noted some of the problems which they encounter to include double registration, defaced cards and omission of names.

He said that notwithstanding the challenges faced, INEC was ready and well equipped to conduct credible election in the state.

Olayinka, however, urged political parties to reach out to electorate at ward level to educate them on how to vote properly in order to avoid invalid/void votes.

He also advised them to avoid thuggery and things that would jeopardise free and fair election.

Emeka Asoanya, the Onitsha South LGA chairman, urged candidates of various political parties to embark on issue based campaign rather than name calling and hate speech.

Ifeanyi Charles Ifeadi, the chairman who was represented by the Council Secretary, reminded eligible voters of the need to safe guard their permanent voters’ card.

“This is the weapon that you can use in bringing a God fearing and credible leadership.’’

He warned against vote buying and selling as he promised more sensitisation and voter education in the council area.

Tochukwu Onyedibe, one of the participants, expressed displeasure at the disfranchisement of some electorates who could not locate their PVC by INEC, urging the electoral officer to help in such matters.

– Jan. 18, 2018 @ 18:05 GMT |