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A democracy advocacy organisation, Kimpact Development Initiative, KDI, has raised concerns that a significant number of Nigerians no longer believe their votes will influence the outcome of the 2027 general elections.

The group warned that the growing lack of confidence in the electoral process could further discourage citizens from participating in elections.

Umar Dan’Assabe Muhammed, Senior Programme Manager for Democratic Accountability and Elections at KDI, expressed the concern on Thursday during an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, monitored by ZINGTIE in Abeokuta.

Muhammed explained that low voter turnout has remained a persistent challenge for Nigeria’s democracy since 1999. He attributed the trend to public dissatisfaction with governance, the disappointing performance of elected officials and actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which he said had further weakened citizens’ willingness to vote.

“Voter turnout has been a major challenge for Nigeria’s democracy since 1999, and it has consistently nose-dived from 1999 up till the 2023 general election.

“Nigerians have voted, organized for candidates, but those elected go into office and disappoint voters. Many voters believe their votes will not count so they say ‘vote no go count’ and stay away,” he stated.

The KDI official also pointed to difficulties associated with collecting Permanent Voter Cards, PVCs, inadequate voter education and concerns about electoral violence as factors that could prevent eligible citizens from voting.

He noted that some registered voters encounter obstacles when trying to access PVC collection centres, while others abandon the process because of transportation costs, long distances and insufficient information.

Muhammed added that some Nigerians register as voters primarily to obtain identification documents rather than to participate in elections.

However, he acknowledged that certain improvements introduced by INEC, including online registration processes that extend to biometric capture, represent positive developments.

“You can do everything online up to biometric capture, and only need to appear physically to collect PVC and to vote, which is a very good improvement that citizens, especially young people, should embrace,” he said.

Despite these improvements, Muhammed maintained that voter education remains inadequate. He urged INEC, the National Orientation Agency, political parties, civil society organisations and media organisations to intensify efforts to educate Nigerians about the electoral process.

He also faulted political parties for concentrating on attacks against opponents rather than addressing issues affecting citizens.

The KDI programme manager referenced the 2023 presidential election and Peter Obi’s campaign as examples of how social media can encourage political participation. He, however, cautioned that strong online support does not necessarily guarantee votes at the ballot box.

Muhammed further identified physical attacks, the destruction of campaign materials and vote buying as practices that weaken public confidence in elections and discourage participation.

He called on INEC, security agencies, political parties and citizens to collaborate in strengthening voter education, rebuilding public trust and ensuring peaceful elections ahead of the 2027 general polls.

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