The National Orientation Agency has identified election violence, misinformation, vote buying and declining trust as major factors weakening Nigerians’ confidence in the electoral process.
The Director of Civic, Values and Democracy Education at the NOA, Olukemi Afolayan, spoke on Thursday in Abuja at an election roundtable organised by Create Studio Nigeria and the Humanitarian Foundation for Social Justice. The event was themed, “Reclaiming Our Vote: Enfranchising a New Generation of Voters.”
According to Afolayan, declining trust is contributing to voter apathy, especially among young Nigerians who feel their votes may not change election outcomes.
“This is why reclaiming our vote must begin with reclaiming citizens’ confidence in the democratic process,” she said.
Meanwhile, Afolayan described young Nigerians as key stakeholders in the country’s democratic development. She said voter participation should go beyond registration and voting. Instead, citizens also need stronger civic education and values.
“Citizens must understand not only how to vote, but why their vote matters; not only their rights, but also their responsibilities,” she said.
The NOA official also urged Nigerians to reject vote buying, misinformation and electoral violence. In addition, she called on citizens to demand issue-based campaigns from political actors.
Don calls for younger political leaders
Also speaking, university don Prof. Ajibade Michael called for greater involvement of younger Nigerians in political leadership. He argued that people between 25 and 70 should have a stronger role in shaping the country’s political future. According to Michael, younger leaders are better placed to understand the challenges facing the current generation.
Democracy must improve lives
Similarly, the Executive Director of the Humanitarian Foundation for Social Justice, Adekunle Adebanjo, said the roundtable aimed to identify practical ways to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process. He stressed that democracy should improve citizens’ lives and create more opportunities.
“Democracy is not an end in itself; it is a means to an end,” Adebanjo said.
The discussions come ahead of the 2027 general elections. They also come amid concerns over voter apathy, public trust and participation in Nigeria’s democratic process.
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