The Centre for Media and Dialogue Initiative, a Civil Society Organisation, has urged citizens of Ebonyi State to look beyond campaign promises and assess the capacity, policies, priorities, and accountability mechanisms of governorship candidates in the state. This call was made by the Programme Director, Igwe Eze Chikodiri, during the opening of the Ebonyi 2027 Elections Democratic Dialogue in Abakaliki. The dialogue aimed to provide a non-partisan platform for stakeholders to engage on issues affecting the state and its future leadership.
Chikodiri emphasized that elections should not be reduced to contests involving political parties, personalities, slogans, and manifestos. Instead, citizens must demand concrete explanations on how candidates intend to translate their promises into measurable development. He stressed that a manifesto only tells what a candidate promises, but democracy requires further questioning on the problem, proposed solution, delivery, required resources, and performance measurement.
The Programme Director noted that the initiative seeks to shift the political discourse in Ebonyi from political promises to public policy, from slogans to substance, from personalities to capacity, and from campaign rhetoric to measurable commitments. He believes that citizens have the right to question political candidates, while candidates have the responsibility to explain their programs and policies to the electorate.
Chikodiri also emphasized the crucial role of the media in interrogating claims and demanding evidence from candidates. He argued that democracy does not end with voting, and an informed electorate is essential to meaningful democratic participation and effective governance after elections. The Programme Director stated that the initiative is not aimed at telling Ebonyi what choice to make but to strengthen the quality of questions that must precede that choice.
The Ebonyi 2027 Elections Democratic Dialogue, with the theme “Beyond the Manifesto: Ebonyi 2027 Election and the People’s Interrogation of Next-Leadership,” brought together political candidates, citizens, electoral stakeholders, civil society organizations, the media, traditional, and religious leaders. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to engage on issues affecting the state and its future leadership.
Chikodiri stressed that leadership involves entrusting a candidate with the hopes, resources, security, and future of the people. He believes that citizens must be informed and engaged in the electoral process to ensure that their interests are represented. The Programme Director emphasized that the Centre for Media and Dialogue Initiative is committed to promoting democratic participation and effective governance in Ebonyi State.
The 2027 governorship election in Ebonyi State is expected to be a crucial event in the state's history. The Centre for Media and Dialogue Initiative's initiative aims to promote informed decision-making among citizens and ensure that the next leadership in the state is accountable and responsive to the people's needs. The organization's efforts are expected to contribute to a more participatory and inclusive electoral process in Ebonyi State.
Key points
- Citizens of Ebonyi State are urged to scrutinize governorship candidates' capacity ahead of 2027 election.
