Tag: Social and Integral Development Centre

The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has stressed the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in the electoral process for all eligible residents, regardless of status, age, or physical condition.

SIDEC Finance Officer, Chioma Enwereuzor, made the call during the group’s ongoing statewide civic awareness campaign ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Anambra State.

Addressing traders at Nkpor Market in Idemili North Local Government Area, Enwereuzor reminded them that the law mandates priority voting for persons with disabilities (PWDs), elderly citizens, visibly pregnant women, and nursing mothers.

She noted that inclusivity in voting remains a core requirement for the legitimacy of any election, emphasising that democracy must represent every voice — not just those of the strong or wealthy.

“Election day is not a competition of strength or survival of the fittest; it is a democratic exercise,” Enwereuzor said.

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“If you see a PWD, an elderly person, or a pregnant woman, the law says they should be allowed to vote first. Kindly abide — that is what makes the process fair and humane.”

Also speaking, SIDEC Project Officer, Bruno Chimnaecherem, cautioned traders against the rising trend of vote buying in the state, describing it as a direct attack on the secrecy of the ballot and the collective future of voters and their communities.

“When you sell your vote, you are selling your tomorrow for a token today,” he warned.

“The Electoral Act is clear — both the buyer and the seller of votes are criminals under the law. Do not allow anyone to use poverty or hardship to buy your conscience.”

Chimnaecherem further warned against voter apathy and election-day violence, urging citizens not to be manipulated or used by desperate politicians.

“Do not let anyone drag you into problems that will not add value to your life,” he said.

“Election is not war. It is not a do-or-die affair. Violence only destroys and keeps a state backwards. Resist it before, during, and after the election.”

SIDEC is implementing its voter education campaign under the Inclusive Mobilisation for Participation, Advocacy and Civic Transformation (Project IMPACT), in partnership with the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room and with support from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK-FCDO).

The Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC) has urged eligible voters in Anambra State who recently registered or transferred their polling units to collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

The call came as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) began a five-day PVC distribution exercise across the state.

According to INEC, a total of 146,353 valid new registrants and transfer applicants were recorded in Anambra during the last Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), bringing the state’s total number of registered voters to 2,802,790 ahead of the November 8 governorship election.

In a statement, SIDEC Executive Director, Ugochi Agalaba-Ehiahuruike, described PVC collection as the first step toward shaping the kind of leadership and future citizens desire, warning against apathy.

She said, “The exercise, which commenced on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, gives new registrants and those who applied for transfers the opportunity to collect their PVCs and vote for candidates of their choice.

“The PVC is the only instrument that empowers citizens to exercise their democratic right to vote. Without it, many—especially youths, women, and persons with disabilities—risk being disenfranchised in the forthcoming election.

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“To collect their PVCs, SIDEC urges all eligible voters who registered recently or transferred their polling units to visit designated INEC collection centres within their Registration Areas (RAs).

“Collecting your PVC is the first step toward shaping the leadership and future you desire. Let no one trade this opportunity for apathy or indifference.”

SIDEC reminded voters that PVC collection should be done in person, as cards will not be issued by proxy. It also advised citizens to verify that their cards contain the correct polling unit information, particularly those who requested transfers.

Through its Project IMPACT, SIDEC continues to mobilise citizens for active and peaceful participation in the electoral process while combating disinformation, voter apathy, and vote-buying in Anambra State.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening citizens’ voices and promoting credible, inclusive, and transparent elections through civic education and collaboration with stakeholders, including the media, civil society, and INEC.

Project IMPACT is implemented by SIDEC in partnership with Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room, with funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).