The Chief of Staff to Abia State Governor, Calab Ajagba has said that many Nigerians did not cast their votes during the previous elections because of rigging, intimidation and disputed election outcomes.

The Chief of Staff said this in Umuahia during a two-day summit organized by Christian Citizenship International, Christian Association of Nigeria, Abia State chapter, with support from Abia State government.

Ajagba who spoke through Acho Obioma, the Special Adviser to Governor Alex Otti on Political Affairs, described voter apathy as a reaction to systemic failures rather than a lack of civic responsibility.

He stressed that Abia State government was rebuilding public trust in governance and urged religious leaders to encourage their congregations to participate actively in elections and civic processes.

A lecture on youth participation was delivered by David Onuoha, highlighting economic hardship, insecurity and corruption as factors undermining Nigeria’s democracy.

Speaking earlier, the Convener of the Summit, Pastor Emmanuel Ihim, urged Christians to participate thoughtfully in elections, evaluate candidates based on character and competence, and to remain engaged in holding leaders accountable beyond
election periods.

Communique from the summit rejected vote buying, bribery and coercion.

Election rigging, intimidation increased voter apathy in Nigeria – Otti’s Chief of Staff