Political parties, not voters, should be blamed if people refuse to come out and vote during the 2025 Anambra governorship election, says Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa.

Speaking on Saturday during Channels Television's special programme, "Anambra Decides 2025," Itodo criticised political parties for doing little to encourage citizens to participate in elections. He said voter apathy when people choose not to vote is largely a result of poor engagement and communication by the political class.

According to him, political parties are supposed to treat voters as their "main clients," since elections cannot happen without them. However, he lamented that many parties have failed in their most basic duty getting people interested in the electoral process.

"If voters are not turning up on election day, political parties should take full responsibility," Itodo said. "It either means they are not communicating properly, they are not connecting with the people, or voters no longer trust them."

The Yiaga Africa boss explained that elections are not just about fielding candidates or running flashy campaigns, but about winning the trust and confidence of the people. He noted that when parties ignore the needs, concerns, and realities of ordinary citizens, it discourages people from believing their votes can make a difference.

He also pointed out that Nigeria's democracy will continue to suffer if political leaders and their parties fail to build relationships with voters beyond election season. "Many Nigerians have lost faith in the political process because they feel politicians only remember them during campaigns and disappear afterward," he said.

Anambra: Ihiala, Ogbaru, Ayamelu LGAs, others remain calm as Police intensify surveillance

Itodo advised political parties to start early in mobilising voters by visiting communities, engaging youths, and addressing issues that affect people's daily lives. He added that voter education and consistent communication are key to improving participation in the 2025 election and beyond.

Yiaga Africa, a civic organisation known for promoting electoral transparency and youth participation, has consistently called on political actors to prioritise citizens' engagement. The group has also worked closely with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders to strengthen democratic participation in Nigeria.

As preparations for the Anambra governorship election intensify, analysts have warned that low voter turnout remains a major challenge in the state and across Nigeria. In previous elections, many polling units recorded poor participation, often below 30 percent of registered voters.

Itodo's comments come as a wake-up call to political parties to rethink their strategies and rebuild trust with the electorate. He stressed that democracy only thrives when citizens are actively involved, and that responsibility lies first with the parties seeking their votes.

"If people don't feel seen, heard, or valued, they will stay at home on election day," Itodo concluded. "Parties must earn the confidence of voters if we want to see real change in our elections." (BusinessDay)