Asuquo Cletus
The Prince Otu Community Development Initiative has urged citizens of Cross River State to take active part in the democratic process by ensuring massive voter participation in the 2027 general elections.
The groupโs National President, Kanu Joseph Uno, made the call in Calabar on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council.
He explained that the Initiative was conceived by likeโminded indigenes of the state both at home and in the diaspora who are concerned about governance, political participation and the overall development of the state.
Uno said the organisation was founded on two key objectives: to support the developmental strides of Governor Bassey Otu and to sensitise citizens on their civic responsibilities, particularly voter education and political involvement. He noted that good governance was a shared responsibility that should not be left to government alone.
According to him, the poor voter turnout recorded in the last election cycle remains a major concern. He disclosed that although Cross River had about 1.7 million registered voters, only 440,000 actually voted in the 2023 presidential election representing less than 30 percent.
โPolitics is about numbers. If Cross River continues to record low voter turnout, our state will not be given priority at the national level. That is why we have only been considered for positions such as minister of state, while other states with stronger electoral numbers secure more strategic ministries,โ Uno said.
He further explained that the Initiative has begun mobilising Cross Riverians across the federation to transfer their voter registration back to their wards in the state in order to increase the stateโs voting strength. He added that chapters of the group had already been established in several states and would continue to expand ahead of the next polls.
On the rationale behind their campaign, Uno said: โWhat we stand to gain is good governance, quality education, better infrastructure, and economic policies that will make life easier for our people. We owe it to future generations to play our part today.โ
Also speaking, the state coordinator of the group,
Liyel Imoukhuede said voter apathy had been a recurring challenge in Cross River, stressing that education and sensitisation remained the only way to reverse the trend. He revealed that the group plans to use multiple channels including radio, town halls, and community outreach programmes to enlighten citizens on the importance of active political engagement.
In her response, the Chairman of NUJ, Cross River State Council, Archiobong Bassey welcomed the delegation and lauded their efforts in promoting civic education and supporting governmentโs developmental agenda.
She however cautioned against veering into partisan politics, noting that the Union would continue to give publicity to initiatives that encourage citizensโ participation and promote accountability in governance.
