——-Says active political participation will help strengthen democracy, promote accountability and ensure that leaders remain responsive to the needs of the people.
Public Affairs Analyst and Secretary, Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria, Enugu State Chapter, Dr. Chikezie Obasi, made this known while speaking on a topic “Party Politics and 2027 Election Timetable: INEC Regulations and Party Compliance,” on Freedom Square, a programme on Solid FM, 100.9, anchored by Uchenna Cyril Anioke.
Dr. Obasi called on Nigerians to take a more active role in political activities, stressing that the future of the country depends on the willingness of citizens to participate in governance and democratic processes.
Obasi emphasized that politics should not be left in the hands of a few individuals, noting that every Nigerian has a responsibility to contribute to nation-building through voting, advocacy, community involvement and public service.
According to him, “ political unconscious citizens should know that the consequences of not participating in any election is that those who you do not want will rule you. If you decide not to participate, you will end up saying that ‘this man we voted for is a thief and that he has stolen our money.’ For them the lessons needed to learn is that if many of them that shouted Obi, Obi in 2023 had actually had their voting power and stood behind Obi. Maybe Peter Obi would have gotten more than 6 million votes or maybe if there was anyone that rigged Peter Obi out, it would have been difficult. So please for the politically unconscious unaware citizen, a lesson to learn is that when INEC opens up her next portal, please check on the voters register. You don’t need to go to your village, wherever you are, you can support a Candidate of your choice. For us who are politically and who have been voting, you have to put in your thinking cap, it is not enough to say I voted, they rigged us out. Educate the next person that it is not enough when you vote kindly wait and see that the results are announced. Follow up, capture the results.”
He encouraged young people in particular to show interest in leadership and policymaking rather than staying on the sidelines.
Obasi also urged citizens to avoid political apathy, warning that failure to participate in the political process could lead to poor representation and bad governance. He maintained that the power to shape the country’s future lies in the hands of the people.
He therefore called for peaceful engagement in politics, emphasizing the need for issue-based campaigns, tolerance and unity among Nigerians regardless of ethnic, religious or party differences.