A sample of forty-three percent of Imo State citizens have said they would not participate in the forthcoming November 11th governorship election in the state.

The respondents cited insecurity, loss of confidence in the electioneering process and the election umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC as among the reasons for their decision.

This was part of the research findings from a survey, titled, ” The Imo State Citizens’ Charter of Demand”, conducted by an international African-led non-governmental human rights advocacy organisation, Alliances for Africa, AfA.

Speaking to newsmen in a press briefing held in Owerri, on Wednesday, AfA Executive Director, Ms. Iheoma Obibi said the essence of the survey is to identify the citizens’ immediate demands from the incoming government after the November 11th governorship election in the state.

The group also stressed on need for citizens’ engagement and participation in governance, “which is crucial for sustaining the development of any society.”

She said, by the survey, “Alliances for Africa (AfA), through the support of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Mac Arthur Foundation, is implementing a project with the aim of fostering political reforms, social inclusion, gender equity, anti-corruption, transparency, accountability, strengthening policies and programs by addressing corruption in Imo state in preparations for the 2023 general elections.

“One of our approaches toward realizing the project goal is to develop the Citizens Charter of Demand (CCD-Imo State).

“The Imo State Citizens Charter of demand will aid and empower citizens to articulate their desired dividends of a true democratic process which will reflect service deliveries, better policy reforms, standard infrastructures, etc.

“The CCD-Imo State in addition amplifies citizens’ voices, articulates their desired dividends, and empowers them for strategic advocacy with their respective representatives at the tenth House of Assembly.”

Also, speaking on the research findings, the group’s Programme Cordinator, Adaeze Egbunobi said, “the population of the study comprises citizens across the 27 locai governments of Imo state. AIl the local government areas of the state had at least a sample respondent.

“From the total sample size, it was gathered that most citizens (53.5%) of the respondents affirmed that they would participate in the forthcoming election; 44.3% declined not to participate in the elections; and 2.2% of the total respondents were not sure if they would participate.

“Most citizens who declined to participate in the election were of the opinion that; (0) elections no longer reflect the opinion of the people; (i) elections must be rigged judging from past experiences; and (ii) voting does not count again.”
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