Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, has blamed Nigeria’s persistent low voter turnout on electoral manipulation and fraudulent practices by desperate politicians.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on Tuesday at 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 widespread voter apathy stems from a lack of trust in the electoral process.
Represented by former Senate Minority Whip, Senator Darlington Nwokocha, Otti lamented that despite the billions spent on political mobilisation, voter participation continues to decline.
“There has been a steady decline in voter turnout in successive elections despite the rising cost of political mobilisation. People have become disenchanted, especially after the 2023 general elections.
“Complaining from the sidelines will no longer be feasible. We must begin mobilising the best of us to pursue the message of a new order and make a strong case for change within democratic bounds,” he added.
Otti noted that unemployment, poverty, and economic hardship across Africa remain unjustifiable, stressing that transformation is achievable if citizens rediscover their collective power.
“Our case is not beyond redemption. Restoration begins when we recognise our power as intellectuals, opinion leaders, policymakers, and students,” he stated.
He called on African nations to reject political systems that neglect reform, adding that participatory democracy and transparent governance are key to prosperity.
“We may have lost much to political indifference and poor governance, but what remains is still enough to reclaim the future. We must work with like minds to take back the political process for progress,” Otti declared.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
