Key Takeaways
- The We Win Support Group urges Nigerians to reject electoral violence and vote-buying in the 2027 general elections.
- Convener Abraham Agbo stresses the importance of peaceful coexistence and supporting credible candidates.
- The group aims to educate citizens on their electoral rights and responsibilities, encouraging active and informed participation.
- We Win Support Group, with over 15,000 members in Abuja South, plans to endorse candidates based on their manifestos, integrity, and capacity for good governance.
- Women mobilisers are actively engaging grassroots communities to raise awareness about civic participation and voters' rights.
As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, the We Win Support Group is intensifying its advocacy for electoral integrity, urging citizens to shun violence, reject vote-buying, and actively support credible candidates. Speaking at an advocacy program in Abuja, Convener Abraham Agbo emphasized that elections should not be a 'do-or-die' affair, calling for peaceful coexistence among Nigerians before, during, and after the polls.
Agbo, a former Special Adviser on Employment to Senator Ireti Kingibe, highlighted the critical need for national unity and informed participation. “Elections are not do-or-die affairs. We have been existing before elections, and we will still return to our homes after elections. You are fighting your brothers and sisters today, but remember life after the elections,” he cautioned, underscoring the enduring bonds of community over political rivalries.
Fostering Unity and Informed Participation
The We Win Support Group was established with a clear vision: to unite individuals committed to national development and good governance. Agbo explained, “The We Win Support Group is an initiative conceived to bring together people who share a common vision for the growth and development of our country. It is also aimed at educating citizens about the electoral process and encouraging informed and active participation.” This mission is particularly crucial in a democratic landscape where voter apathy and electoral malpractices often undermine the integrity of the process.
The group's advocacy program served as a platform to sensitize members and the broader public on how to engage effectively in the electoral process. Agbo stressed that unity and collective action are paramount for progress, stating, “We Win represents togetherness and unity. When people come together with a progressive mindset, they achieve more because no man can do it alone. So, we must work together.” The group's primary objective is to promote credible elections and ensure that citizens fully understand their rights and responsibilities, thereby fostering a more responsive political system.
Mobilizing for Accountable Leadership
Ambassador Hygenus Ogwu, a pioneer member of the We Win Support Group, hailed the Abuja gathering as a pivotal moment in mobilizing Nigerians for good governance. He described the organization as a non-partisan advocacy group dedicated to promoting responsible leadership and accountability. “We are a non-political organisation focused on advocacy and good governance. We want people to come together with one voice and support credible candidates with the capacity to provide effective leadership at all levels of government,” Ogwu affirmed.
The group is particularly interested in leaders who demonstrate integrity, accountability, and a genuine willingness to address the concerns of ordinary citizens. Ogwu passionately urged Nigerians to reject vote-buying and the sale of votes, emphasizing that it is a collective responsibility to work towards a better country and a brighter future. Kenji Morgak, another board member, reiterated that the advocacy program aims to promote unity and encourage greater participation, ensuring citizens play active roles in shaping governance rather than remaining passive observers.
Empowering Women in the Electoral Process
Mrs. Joyce Stephen, representing the group’s women mobilisers, highlighted the significant efforts being made to reach women at the grassroots level. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about civic participation, decision-making, and voters’ rights. “We have been able to mobilise many women and reach out to people at the grassroots to create awareness about participation in decision-making and understanding their rights,” Stephen stated.
She specifically advised women to protect their voter information, avoid selling their votes, and exercise their electoral rights responsibly. This focus on women's empowerment is vital, as women often play a crucial role in community mobilization and can significantly influence electoral outcomes when adequately informed and engaged.
Why This Matters
The efforts of the We Win Support Group are crucial for strengthening Nigeria's democratic foundations ahead of the 2027 general elections. By actively campaigning against electoral violence and vote-buying, and by promoting informed citizen participation, the group contributes significantly to fostering a more transparent, credible, and accountable electoral process, ultimately paving the way for better governance and national development.