Misinformation and distrust in the electoral process are discouraging young Nigerians from participating in elections, according to Professor Joash O. Amupitan, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The INEC boss made this observation at the unveiling of a revised National Voter Education Manual in Abuja, organized by Kimpact Development Initiative.
The manual was designed to educate young Nigerians about the electoral process and encourage them to participate in elections. However, many Nigerians have lost confidence in the electoral process, often believing that their votes do not count. This perception is fueled by misinformation and past electoral controversies, leading to widespread disengagement.
The situation has created a dangerous imbalance where a minority determines election outcomes. As Professor Amupitan noted, "For too long, we have accepted a democracy where the 70 per cent, who stay at home, allow the remaining 30 per cent to decide the future for everyone." He emphasized that legal reforms alone cannot solve the problem.
The INEC chairman also highlighted the importance of engaging young people, who make up the largest voting bloc, in the electoral process. Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative, Bukola Idowu, noted that the voter education manual was designed to be practical, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the country's youthful electorate.
The comments by Professor Amupitan and Bukola Idowu highlight a critical issue in Nigeria's electoral process. The fact that young people, who make up the majority of registered voters, are disengaged from the electoral process is a cause for concern. The INEC's revised voter education manual is a step in the right direction, but it is clear that more needs to be done to address the root causes of voter apathy among young Nigerians. The country's democracy is at risk if the majority of citizens do not feel invested in the electoral process.
