The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in collaboration with key local and international partners, has unveiled updated voter education materials as part of efforts to address voter apathy and strengthen democratic participation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The launch, held at Reiz Continental Hotel, convened stakeholders from government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, and youth groups, all advocating for a more informed and actively engaged electorate.
Speaking at the event, Mohammed Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, expressed concern over the steady decline in voter turnout since 1999. He noted that participation has dropped from over 60 percent in 2003 to below 30 percent in recent elections, attributing the trend to a mix of voter complacency, limited awareness, and waning public trust.
Haruna explained that the revised National Voter Education Manual, developed in partnership with the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), is designed to improve civic knowledge and encourage greater electoral participation, particularly among young Nigerians.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, National Commissioner Prof. Joash Amupitan warned that voter apathy remains a major threat to Nigeria’s democracy. He cited recent election data showing that a shrinking segment of the population increasingly determines leadership outcomes.
While noting that the Electoral Act 2026 has introduced reforms to enhance transparency through improved legal frameworks and electronic systems, Amupitan stressed that legislation alone cannot reverse voter disengagement. He emphasized the need for sustained civic education, warning that “an indifferent electorate is a democracy in retreat.”
Also speaking, KDI Team Leader Bukola Idowu described the initiative as a strategic step toward strengthening Nigeria’s democratic foundation. He noted that the updated manual reflects current electoral laws, technological advancements, and evolving patterns of political participation.
According to him, the youth-focused civic and voter education manual is tailored to empower young Nigerians not only as voters but also as educators and agents of change, helping to bridge gaps in awareness and rebuild trust in the electoral process.
Representing the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr. Oluwakemi Afolayan highlighted the importance of civic values in sustaining democracy. She described the initiative as timely, adding that integrating civic education into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) framework would deepen grassroots engagement and ensure long-term impact.
She noted that an informed electorate remains the strongest safeguard against voter apathy, misinformation, and electoral violence.
Dr. Matthew Ayibakuro of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) also underscored the importance of continuous voter education, stressing that credible elections are built on sustained public trust and awareness rather than one-day events.
Providing further insight, Victoria Eta-Messi, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, said the revised manual aligns with the Electoral Act 2026 and incorporates key updates on party primaries, campaign finance regulations, electoral offences, and the continued deployment of technologies such as BVAS.
Structured into 11 modules, the manual also integrates global best practices and expanded digital strategies to engage Nigeria’s increasingly tech-savvy population.
A key highlight of the initiative is the integration of the civic education manual into the NYSC Community Development Service (CDS), positioning corps members as frontline civic educators across the country.
Stakeholders noted that this peer-to-peer approach is expected to drive wider dissemination of democratic values in communities, schools, markets, and religious institutions, ultimately fostering a more participatory and resilient electoral process.
