INEC Raises Alarm Over Voter Apathy, Vote Buying, Disinformation Ahead of 2027 Polls
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed deep concern over voter apathy, vote buying, and the spread of misinformation and disinformation as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
The Commission emphasized the urgent need for intensified grassroots voter education to ensure citizens understand their electoral rights and responsibilities, as well as the voting procedures.
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Oyo State, Prof. Adeniran Tella, made this call on Monday in Ibadan at a capacity-building workshop for State Voter Education Desk Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers from Oyo, Ogun, and Lagos States.
Tella stressed that the credibility of the 2027 elections depends not only on Election Day but also on the level of public enlightenment carried out months in advance. He identified major challenges including voter apathy, vote buying, misinformation, and the difficulty of reaching citizens in both urban and remote communities.
He urged voter education officers to move beyond conventional venues by visiting markets, motor parks, schools, farms, and using community radio, religious institutions, and social media. Officers should also verify information before dissemination and collaborate with civil society groups.
The REC affirmed that sustained grassroots enlightenment is critical for building public confidence, increasing voter participation, and strengthening electoral credibility in 2027.