By Steve Oko
UMUAHIA — The Kwankwaso National Network (KNN) has said it has developed what it described as “water-tight” measures to tackle vote buying, protect the integrity of the ballot and increase voter participation across the five South-East states ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group also disclosed that it has mobilised its members and grassroots structures across the region to monitor the activities of politicians before, during and after the elections, insisting that every legitimate vote cast by the electorate must count.
The South-East Coordinator of KNN, Dr Ukpai Iro Ukpai, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Umuahia.
According to him, the group has commenced extensive voter education campaigns aimed at sensitising eligible voters on the dangers of selling their votes, describing vote buying as one of the biggest threats to credible elections and good governance.
“We have educated our members and supporters across the South-East on how to resist inducement and reject every attempt by desperate politicians to compromise their conscience through vote buying,” the statement said.
The group warned voters against exchanging their future for temporary financial benefits, urging them to consider the long-term implications of their choices at the polls.
“It is time for our people to reject momentary gains and refuse to mortgage the future of their children and generations yet unborn for a few pieces of silver.
“The choices made in 2027 will shape the destiny of Nigeria for many years, and every voter must approach the election with that sense of responsibility,” it said.
KNN further stated that it had concluded plans to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and partners to encourage what it described as unprecedented voter participation across the South-East.
The group said it was targeting over 80 per cent voter turnout from the more than 10 million registered voters in the region, noting that active participation remained the strongest tool against electoral manipulation.
It added that it was strengthening its structures at polling units and collation centres to ensure effective monitoring of the electoral process and lawful protection of votes from accreditation to the final declaration of results.
The group also urged its members to remain vigilant, report suspicious electoral activities to relevant authorities and support peaceful, transparent and credible elections.
KNN expressed optimism over what it described as increased political awareness among youths in the South-East, saying many previously disenchanted voters had renewed interest in the electoral process following the political alliance between former Anambra State Governor, Mr Peter Obi, and Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso.
The group described the Obi/Kwankwaso alliance as “a watershed in Nigeria’s democratic journey,” saying it had restored hope among citizens who had become dissatisfied with the country’s political process.
Reaffirming its commitment to the success of the alliance in the region, KNN reiterated its earlier pledge to deliver at least one million votes for the Obi/Kwankwaso ticket in each of the five South-East states during the 2027 presidential election.
The group urged eligible voters in the South-East to emulate their counterparts in other regions by actively participating in the electoral process, stressing that political power can only be achieved through engagement.
“Don’t be a bystander; prepare to participate actively in deciding the nation’s future through the ballot rather than apathy,” the statement added.
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