- INEC has called for stronger collaboration with NOA to improve voter education ahead of 2027 elections
- The commission said voter apathy and misinformation are weakening democratic participation in Nigeria
- Both agencies plan joint campaigns to boost civic awareness and trust in the electoral process
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has called for deeper collaboration with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to tackle voter apathy, misinformation and declining civic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja when he received NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, at the commission’s headquarters.
EDITOR’S PICK
- UN Mobilizes Humanitarian Aid For Venezuela Following Twin Earthquakes
- Dollar To Naira Exchange Rate Today, June 26, 2026
- Concerns As Repentant Boko Haram Members Allegedly Join Army Recruitment
He described the visit as an important institutional engagement, noting that both bodies carry the responsibility of strengthening democratic awareness and encouraging informed participation in elections.
Amupitan stressed that ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s electoral system, including the deployment of technology, would only yield full benefits if citizens understand and actively engage with the process.
He explained that tools such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) are designed to improve transparency, but their effectiveness depends on public confidence and civic education.
According to him, voter education must move beyond general awareness campaigns to targeted grassroots outreach that explains the value of voting and how electoral safeguards now protect results.
He said such messaging should be simplified and adapted to reach rural dwellers, traders, young people and other groups in ways they can easily relate to and trust.
The INEC chairman referenced recent elections in the Federal Capital Territory and Ekiti State, saying they reflected operational improvements such as timely opening of polling units, efficient biometric accreditation and faster result transmission.
Despite these gains, he noted that voter turnout remained low, adding that confusion over polling unit adjustments and voter registration updates continues to discourage participation.
Amupitan warned that voter apathy and the spread of false information pose serious risks to democratic growth, saying coordinated action is needed to address both challenges.
He called on INEC and NOA to jointly develop campaigns that counter misinformation, discourage vote buying and rebuild trust in the electoral process ahead of 2027.
He also revealed that preparations for the 2027 elections are ongoing, with the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027, while governorship elections are set for February 6, 2027.
Amupitan assured the NOA of INEC’s readiness to collaborate fully, including sharing resources and technical support to strengthen voter education efforts nationwide.
The NOA leadership welcomed the proposal, with both institutions expressing commitment to improving civic awareness and strengthening participation in future elections.
FURTHER READING
