In a bid to promote voter education and combat vote buying during Nigeria’s General Elections, Centre for Young People Development and Poverty Alleviation Initiative, CYDPAN embarked on voters sensitization campaign in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Capital.
The campaign aimed at educating voters on their rights and responsibilities, as well as reduce the incidence of vote buying and selling.
The voter education exercise was carried out at Ibom Recreational Centre (Plaza), a popular relaxation spot that house many businesses and fun lovers today, Tuesday, 21st February.
Interfacing with different people on the importance of voting, how to vote and why their votes count, CYDPAN team with the aid of a ballot dummy, went round the facility to teach people how to properly cast their vote on the ballot paper.
The team led by its Executive Director, Pastor Robert Boniface interfaced with lot of persons who expressed sadness over the current situation in Nigeria and why they’ve lost faith in the democratic process in the country.
The team who shared in their sentiments, took quality time to explain to those who had lost faith in Nigeria’s democracy on the need to take part in the forthcoming General elections and why their voice mattered.
Also, the team charged them not to be cowed or swayed by money bags who are only interested in their own gain, but vote based on their convictions rather than for financial gain.
The team taught the voters how to vote with their index fingers and further informed them on the use of BVAs, which they explained will help curtail issues of ballot snatching and violence.
CYDPAN ED informed the voters that with BVAs, the forthcoming election will be free, fair, credible and all votes casted will count.
According to him, ”vote buying/selling is a huge problem contributing to the disruption of Nigeria’s democracy. The resultant effect of vote buying and selling has given room for vulnerable citizens to be plunged into poverty and taken advantage of. We can change the narrative by insisting on voting the right candidates and ensuring our votes count.
”The introduction of BVAs in this year’s election will help take power away from corrupt leaders who do not care about Nigerians, but the bulk of the work rest on you, the voters. No amount of hunger should push you into selling your votes”, he charged the voters.
Some of the voters who were sensitized and unlearned commended CYDPAN for taking up the responsibility to educate them on their electoral rights and responsibilities.
They noted that the campaign has empowered them with the right knowledge that will aid them in making informed decisions on Saturday during the Presidential Election and others.
They resolved to resist the temptation of vote selling/buying and to vote with a sense of integrity and responsibility.
