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Veteran Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie loses interest in Nigerian elections
By Orukpe Rebecca.
According to veteran Nollywood actor Pete Edochie, his interest in Nigerian elections waned after the annulment of the 1993 polls. He firmly believes that the only credible election ever held in Nigeria was the annulled 1993 poll.
In a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Edochie emphasized that the canceled election was the epitome of transparency and fairness, unlike the current electoral system riddled with voter intimidation and malpractices.
As a 76-year-old actor, Edochie speaks from a position of authority and conviction. He recalls a time when ballot box snatching, violence, and general chaos did not plague the electoral process. People were not scared to exercise their democratic rights. This election gave Edochie hope for Nigeria’s future, until it was canceled.
Since the annulment, Edochie explains that he has lost faith in the electoral system. He believes that subsequent elections have been marred by irregularities and manipulation. The actor’s disillusionment is shared by many Nigerians who have witnessed various forms of electoral malpractice, including rigging, voter suppression, and violence.
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Edochie’s remarks highlight the need for substantial electoral reforms in Nigeria. The country must address issues such as ballot box snatching, voter intimidation, and irregularities to restore trust in the system. Trust is vital for ensuring active citizen participation and maintaining a healthy democracy.
“To overcome these challenges, Nigeria should invest in technology-driven solutions to enhance transparency and accountability during elections. Implementing biometric voter registration and e-voting systems would help streamline the process and reduce the potential for manipulation. Additionally, strengthening electoral institutions and enforcing strict penalties for electoral offenses would deter individuals from engaging in malpractices.
“The Nigerian government should also prioritize civic education to increase awareness and mobilize citizens to actively participate in the democratic process. By empowering people with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities as voters, Nigeria can foster a more engaged and informed electorate.
“Furthermore, media organizations have a crucial role to play in holding politicians accountable and ensuring fair reporting. Journalists should actively investigate electoral malpractices and provide balanced coverage to educate the public on the realities of politics in Nigeria.
Ultimately, Edochie’s disillusionment with Nigerian elections serves as a wake-up call for the country’s political leaders and citizens. More needs to be done to restore faith in the electoral process and ensure that future elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.