By George Omagbemi
Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has urged Nigerians to take an active role in protecting their votes, stressing that participation in elections must go beyond casting ballots.
Otti made the call as political activities intensify ahead of the 2027 general elections, amid concerns over electoral credibility, vote-buying and the protection of citizens’ democratic rights.
The governor has repeatedly urged Nigerians to reject political apathy, vote-selling and voting based on ethnic or religious sentiments. In his Independence Day broadcast on October 1, titled Citizenship, Freedom and Vigilance, Otti said Nigerians must use their democratic rights to demand responsible leadership.
He warned that the country’s development aspirations would remain difficult to achieve if citizens continued to shun elections, sell their votes or make electoral choices based on primordial considerations.
Otti also stressed that democracy requires constant vigilance, urging citizens to defend the freedoms and rights secured through years of struggle.
According to him, voting, participating in public discussions, paying taxes, obeying the law and contributing to national development are important responsibilities of citizenship.
The governor maintained that every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, religion or ethnic background, has a stake in the country’s future.
His message underlines the importance of voter participation, peaceful civic engagement and lawful efforts to ensure that electoral outcomes reflect the choices of the electorate.
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