By BONIFACE AKARAH

The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Anambra State Branch, has expressed concern over what it described as low voter registration and poor electoral participation in the South-East, urging political leaders and residents of the region to take advantage of the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to strengthen the zone’s political influence.

According to a press conference addressed by Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Anambra State Branch, Evang. Comrade Vincent Ezekwueme, AMBP-UN, the organisation described the South-East as having the lowest voter registration and voter turnout in the country. It argued that political apathy had contributed to the region’s marginalisation, insisting that “our destiny is In our hands.” The group also called for aggressive mobilisation of eligible voters and urged citizens not to allow disappointment over previous elections to keep them away from the electoral process.

“Why is the South East not only the least registered voters, but also the least that casts votes in every periodic and off-cycle election?” the CLO asked.

The organisation lamented that many eligible voters in the region allegedly stay away from polling units on election day, while other parts of the country actively participate in the electoral process.

“Apathy and withdrawal will not give us power. Participation will,” the group stated, urging political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, market associations, youth groups and civil society organisations to intensify voter education and mobilisation.

CLO called on the five South-East governors to appoint Senior Special Advisers on Continuous Voter Registration and Electoral Matters to coordinate grassroots sensitisation and improve voter participation across the region.

“These appointees will be critical in driving grassroots mobilization, liaising with INEC, and removing administrative bottlenecks that discourage prospective registrants,” the statement said.

The organisation also urged eligible voters to take advantage of the extension of the Continuous Voter Registration exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), describing it as an opportunity the region should not waste.

CLO further alleged that some prospective registrants in Anambra State were being asked to pay between N2,000 and N5,000 by officials before they could register or collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

“Reliable information at our disposal indicates that INEC officials were demanding bribes ranging from N2,000 to N5,000 from prospective registrants,” the organisation alleged, while calling on the Anambra State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mrs. Queen Elizabeth Agwu, to investigate the claims and sanction anyone found culpable.

The group also cited the case of a resident, Chief Anthony Nnaji, who allegedly complained that his daughter visited the INEC office in Onitsha South Local Government Area three times to obtain her voter’s card without success after officials reportedly demanded N3,000 from her.

CLO said allegations of extortion during voter registration and PVC collection, if left unchecked, could further discourage participation and undermine confidence in the electoral process.

“Register. Mobilize. Vote. Reclaim our Voice, Reclaim our Honor,” the organisation urged.

The allegations of extortion made by the Civil Liberties Organization have not been independently verified by NewsExpress. At the time of filing this report, the Independent National Electoral Commission had not responded to the claims raised by the organisation.