Calabar, Sept. 18, 2025 (NAN) A group under the aegis of Prince Otu Community Development Initiative has said that Cross River witnessed low voter turnout during the 2023 general elections.
The leader of the group, Mr Kanu Uno, made the statement during a courtesy visit to the state council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Calabar on Thursday.
Uno said that from available reports, only about 440,000, out of the 1.7 million registered voters in the state participated in the elections.
He described the voter turnout at the elections as ‘abysmally low’, saying that there is need for mass education and sensitisation on the 2027 polls.
The group leader said that already, the body had begun massive enlightenment and sensitisation programmes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Poor or low voter turnout has its consequences on the system, states that have high voter turnout make bold political statements.
“Why can’t an indigene of Cross River be made minister in notable ministries such defense, agriculture, transport, minister works or even power?
“I think the reason is that priorities will always be given to states with lager number of votes. The implication is that we have to do better in the next elections.
“We have already started the move to change the thinking and attitude of our people towards elections,” he said.
Uno further stated that the group was preaching to Cross River people outside the state to transfer their voting points to the state.
“When we come back home to vote, our votes will count in favour of our state. We are taking this message to places where our people are residing,” he said. (NAN)
