PAY Urges ABSIEC, Governor Otti to Commit to Electoral Integrity

In a recent statement, the Progressive Abia Youths (PAY), represented by President Daberechi Kingsley Ekejiuba, voiced serious concerns over the control state governors wield over local government elections. Ekejiuba denounced the undue influence of governors, who often install their loyalists in the State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) and manipulate local election outcomes to favor their political allies. He stated that this practice undermines democracy, reducing local elections to what he described as "dancing ceremonies,ÔÇØ orchestrated to favor governors' political interests over the will of the people.

[caption id="attachment_184069" align="alignnone" width="1210"] Progressive Abia Youths (PAY) President - Debarachi Kingsley Ekejiuba[/caption]

Highlighting the importance of free, fair, and credible elections, PAY urged the Abia State Independent Electoral Commission (ABSIEC) to step up its electoral duties with integrity. Ekejiuba criticized ABSIEC's inadequate preparation and communication with the public, specifically in informing grassroots voters about election processes. PAY called on ABSIEC Chairman Prof. George Chima to take decisive steps in educating the electorate and ensuring transparency. The organization also urged Governor Alex Otti, a known beneficiary of democratic elections, to uphold the same standards in the November 2 local government elections. PAY emphasized that the upcoming election will serve as a litmus test for Governor Otti's commitment to democracy.

The statement underscores that Abia's youth will only accept a local government election that is free from violence, manipulation, and partisan interference. PAY insists that true democratic principles demand a competitive multi-party system at all levels of government and that local elections must genuinely reflect the people's voices.