A socio-political analyst and stakeholder, Atago Maxwell, says Rivers residents are not politically conscious enough as the state prepares for the 2027 elections. He argued that the principles of democracy are yet to take firm root among the people, with political choices often driven by emotions, sentiments and tribal affiliations rather than the competence and accountability of candidates.
Speaking on NigeriaInfo’s HardFacts, Maxwell says the primary purpose of governance is to improve citizens' lives. He urged voters to assess political candidates based on their competence, performance in office and accountability in the management of public funds. He cited statements such as “I don’t like Wike” and “This one is from Ogoni” as examples of sentiments influencing electoral decisions, stressing that personal grievances and ethnic considerations should not determine political choices.
Maxwell linked poor leadership to the state of public infrastructure and essential services, including health centres and schools. He argued that a lack of political awareness, rather than poverty, is a major factor contributing to these challenges, noting that citizens need to understand their responsibility to hold elected officials accountable for their actions and the use of public resources.
Ahead of the 2027 elections, Maxwell urged Rivers residents to become more politically conscious and look beyond sentiments when choosing their leaders. He also encouraged eligible voters to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), stressing that active participation in the democratic process and the election of capable leaders are important to improving security, education and living conditions.
The question is whether Rivers residents will prioritise competence and accountability over tribal sentiments and political loyalties when they head to the polls in 2027.
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