Rising voter apathy threat to Nigeria’s democracy: Experts

The rising voter apathy in Nigeria poses a significant threat to the country's democracy. Experts warn that the increasing lack of interest among citizens to participate in electoral processes could undermine the legitimacy of upcoming general elections. A recent webinar organised by the Rule of Law Development Foundation in Abuja highlighted the issue, with experts noting that democracy relies heavily on citizen participation in selecting their leaders.

In Nigeria and other democracies, declining voter turnout has been a worrying trend despite increasing voter registration figures. The Independent National Electoral Commission's chairman, represented by Alhassan Umar, SAN, pointed out that when a significant proportion of eligible voters abstain from voting, the credibility and representativeness of elected governments are called into question.

According to Umar, Nigeria has witnessed a decline in voter turnout over successive elections, with youth participation remaining disproportionately low. Urban voter apathy appears more pronounced than rural participation in some instances. The causes of voter apathy, Umar explained, include lack of confidence in electoral institutions, vote manipulation, and opaqueness that have eroded trust in the system.

Electoral violence and insecurity discourage participation, as voters prioritise personal safety over civic duty in areas prone to conflict. Widespread poverty and economic challenges shift citizens' focus from civic engagement to survival, as some people believe that elections have little impact on immediate economic realities.

The alarming trend of voter apathy in Nigeria is a stark reminder of the country's democratic challenges. The INEC chairman's warnings about the credibility and representativeness of elected governments are a direct call to action for the electoral commission to address the systemic issues that have eroded trust in the system. The fact that youth participation remains disproportionately low is a worrying sign for the country's future. As Nigerians face economic challenges, it is imperative that the government prioritises good governance and transparency to restore confidence in the electoral process. The legitimacy of upcoming general elections hangs in the balance, and it is up to the government and electoral institutions to take concrete steps to address voter apathy and ensure a free and fair electoral process.