New Voter Education Manuals Signal Fresh Push to Boost Participation Ahead of 2027 Polls

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alongside key national and international partners, has launched the updated National Voter Education Manual and a youth-focused Civic and Voter Education Manual, in a renewed push to tackle voter apathy and strengthen democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

In his welcome address, Mohammed Haruna, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, highlighted the steady decline in voter turnout since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.

He noted that participation has dropped from over 60% in 2003 to below 30% in recent elections, stressing that while Nigerians may take the right to vote for granted, many lack the knowledge or motivation to exercise it effectively.

Haruna explained that the manuals were developed in collaboration with the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) to both educate citizens and encourage greater electoral participation.

Delivering the keynote on behalf of INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, National Commissioner Malam Haruna warned that voter apathy remains one of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s democracy.

He pointed to data from recent elections showing a widening participation gap, where a minority determines leadership for the majority.

The Commission reaffirmed that the Electoral Act 2026 strengthens transparency through improved legal frameworks and electronic processes but emphasized that laws alone cannot solve disengagement.

“An indifferent electorate is a democracy in retreat,” the keynote stressed, calling for sustained civic education to rebuild trust and participation.

×