The Social and Integral Development Centre has called on residents of Anambra State to avoid any form of violence before, during, and after the forthcoming governorship election.
SIDEC’s Finance Officer, Chioma Enwereuzor, made the appeal on Saturday during a voter education programme held at Afor-Igwe Market in Umudioka, Dunukofia Local Government Area.
The sensitisation event, organised under the Inclusive Mobilisation for Participation, Advocacy and Civic Transformation initiative, aims to encourage peaceful and inclusive participation in the electoral process. The project is being implemented by SIDEC in collaboration with the Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room and is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Describing electoral violence as destructive and counterproductive, Enwereuzor said, “Violence benefits no one; it destroys lives and progress; and can set us many years backward.”
She noted that security agencies were on alert to handle anyone attempting to disrupt the peace, warning that those who instigate violence would face the full weight of the law. “Election is not a do-or-die affair. Do not allow anyone to use you to destabilise the state,” she cautioned.
Enwereuzor also advised voters against wearing clothes, caps, or accessories bearing political party symbols to polling units, stressing that such actions amount to campaigning on election day.
Encouraging residents to participate peacefully, she added that voters could remain at polling centres to observe vote counting as long as they did so within the confines of the law. “Your voter card is your power; do not stay at home on election day. That is when you help decide the destiny of Anambra for the next four years,” she said.
She further condemned the increasing practice of vote-buying, warning that offenders would be prosecuted under the Electoral Act (2022).
Enwereuzor also reminded citizens to respect the priority voting rights of persons with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women, and nursing mothers, as provided by law.
During the interactive session, a trader, Sylvester Njoku, highlighted issues such as malfunctioning voting devices and poor network connectivity as key factors discouraging voter participation.
Enwereuzor concluded by urging security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to perform their duties responsibly to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
