Edward Onoja Defends Grassroots Mobilisation, Says Politicians Have Duty to Engage Voters Directly

Former Kogi State Deputy Governor and member representing the North Central on the Board of the South East Development Commission, Edward Onoja, has defended grassroots political mobilisation, insisting that politicians have a constitutional responsibility to engage directly with voters in the course of democratic campaigns.

Speaking during an interview on Arise Television, Onoja dismissed suggestions that politicians should distance themselves from voters during elections, maintaining that democracy is strengthened when political leaders interact with citizens at the grassroots.

According to him, there is nothing inappropriate about politicians moving from one polling unit to another to canvass support for their political parties, provided such activities are carried out peacefully and in compliance with the provisions of Nigeria’s electoral laws.

“I can go to polling unit by polling unit to talk to people to vote for my party,” Onoja stated.

The former deputy governor explained that political campaigns are fundamentally about persuasion, adding that elected officials and party members have a responsibility to present their vision and programmes directly to the electorate.

He argued that effective grassroots engagement enables politicians to better understand the concerns of citizens while giving voters the opportunity to assess competing ideas before making electoral choices.

Onoja maintained that successful elections are driven by sustained interaction with the people rather than relying solely on media campaigns or political rhetoric.

According to him, grassroots mobilisation remains one of the strongest pillars of democratic governance because it fosters communication between political leaders and the electorate, encourages accountability and promotes informed participation.

He further noted that while every Nigerian has the constitutional right to support any political party or candidate of choice, political actors equally have the right to canvass support without intimidation, coercion or violence.

The former deputy governor called on political parties to prioritise issue-based campaigns capable of earning the confidence of the electorate, stressing that democratic competition should be based on ideas, policies and performance.

Onoja also urged political stakeholders to conduct peaceful campaigns ahead of future elections, warning that electoral contests should not be allowed to undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

He encouraged eligible Nigerians to register as voters, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the electoral process, noting that a vibrant democracy depends on the active involvement of citizens.

According to Onoja, the credibility of elections is a shared responsibility that requires electoral institutions, political parties and citizens to uphold the rule of law, embrace peaceful participation and respect the outcome of credible polls.