The Brain Builders Development Youth Initiative (BBYDI) has called for consideration of Diaspora Voting and e-Voting in Nigeria’s Electoral Act ahead 2023 general elections.
The BBYDI Executive Director, Olasupo Abideen made this call on Thursday in Ilorin during the launching of the group new project -YVoteNaija. According to Abideen, YVote Naija seeks to increase voters’ participation in electoral process in Nigeria, as part of efforts to deepen democracy and enthrone good governance in the country.
Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative Executive Director, Olasupo Abideen during launching of YVoteNaija
Speaking further, Olasupo Abideen said e-voting is the way to go in Nigeria but cautions that consideration should be given to people in rural areas.
His words: ”As we all know, democracy is built on the principle of participation where all citizens are expected to play active roles. This defines the art of nation-building where everyone is involved. In a democratic country like Nigeria, one of the metrics of measuring our democratic status is highlighted by regular elections.
”Since 1999 when the country returned to democracy, after a long hiatus with military rule, the country has held 6 elections. Some of the low points of these elections have been massive electoral apathy influenced by factors such as electoral violence, political thuggery, rigging, etc.
”Nonetheless, elections are what determine the quality of leadership a country has. Growing political apathy harms the development of the country. This is one of the reasons why we have decided to launch YVoteNaija.”
The BBYDI Exdcutive Director hinted that YVoteNaija is a project using data and digital systems to increase voter participation in elections and create a culture of participatory democracy.
He added that the group plan to educate Nigerians on the need to actively participate in the electoral process. We shall also be advocating for free, fair and peaceful elections.
Olasupo stated that YVoteNaija will also address issues such as voter education, electoral violence, getting voters card and making the electoral laws accessible to more citizens.
”As the 2023 elections approach us, our mission is to play an active role in increasing participation in elections, especially among young people. We will be working with various stakeholders including INEC, community-based organizations, religious institutions, youth led and women groups as well as the media to make this project a success. We will also fashion out ways to erase barriers to greater political participation. It is important we increase people’s participation in the electoral process and make it more meaningful.” He explained.
He also urged Nigerians of voting age who are yet to register as INEC begins Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) by first quarter of 2021.
Olasupo added that: ”People must know that numbers matter a lot in elections. There is strength in numbers. We must therefore use our numbers to elect leaders of our choice to ensure the real change and development we want for Nigeria and ourselves. We cannot continue to rant and complain without taking actions. We must take actions to end bad leadership in the country, and that starts with us registering to get our Permanent Voters’ Cards and going out en masse on election days to vote leaders of our choice.”
Speaking earlier, Mr AbdulHakeem Abdulkareem, a board member said BBYDI launched KnowCovid-19 in 2020 to fight fake news, misinformation and disinformation amidst the pandemic.
Other board members of the group at Press Conference are Mr Wale Bakare and Mr Shuraj. The Administrative Secretary of BBYDI, Miss Haleemat and some volunteers also graced the launching amidst full compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols.
Source:Factual Times
