By Uzo Ugwunze
The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has called on traders across Anambra State to take active part in the forthcoming governorship election, describing their participation as critical to achieving higher voter turnout.
According to SIDEC, only 92,000 out of over 2.6 million registered voters participated in the 2021 governorship election — a figure the organization described as worrisomely low.
SIDEC is currently implementing the Inclusive Mobilization for Participation, Advocacy and Civic Transformation (Project IMPACT) in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, with funding support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK-FCDO).
Speaking during a voter education session at Ochanja Market, Onitsha, the Executive Director of SIDEC, Mrs. Ugochi Ehiahuruike, emphasized that good governance depends on the active involvement of all citizens, not just elected leaders.
“It is not their government but our government. We all must take ownership, and one way to do that is by casting our votes for candidates of our choice,” she said.
Ehiahuruike urged traders not to sit back and allow a small number of voters to determine the future of the state.
“November 8, 2025 is not a day for football competition or movie marathons. It is a day to decide the destiny of Anambra State for the next four years,” she warned.
“Even if you choose not to vote, those who vote will decide our collective direction. Come out and be counted. INEC has assured that every vote will count — speak loudly with your voter’s card.”
She also appealed to political candidates, supporters, and the electorate to maintain peace before, during, and after the election, noting that development thrives only in a peaceful environment.
“The peace of Anambra is not negotiable. Mothers and fathers must caution their children to avoid violence. It benefits no one,” she added.
On inclusion, Ehiahuruike reminded persons with disabilities (PWDs) that they have equal rights to participate in the electoral process, noting that INEC has promised to provide braille ballots and magnifying glasses at polling units to enhance accessibility.
“Your voice matters, your vote counts. Do not be discouraged,” she encouraged.
Responding, Vice Chairman of Ochanja Market, Mr. Samson Okeke, commended SIDEC for its sustained voter education efforts and promised that traders would turn out in large numbers to vote.
“We thank SIDEC for this enlightenment. You have given us the knowledge we need to make informed choices. We’ll mobilize our members to come out and vote for candidates of their choice,” Okeke said.
“We’ve also learned that selling our votes brings long-term suffering. We’ll do better this time. We shall not sell out votes and suffer for the next four years.”
The SIDEC team later went round the market, distributing voter education materials and encouraging traders to participate actively in the election.