Towards the Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo states off-circle governorship elections, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called for collaboration with relevant stakeholders willing to share the agency’s mandate to mobilise the electorate and guarantee peaceful elections, which outcome will represent the informed choices of the people to govern them.

Director-General of NOA, Dr. Garba Abari, made the call, yesterday, while flagging off the agency’s off-season governorship polls sensitisation campaign on the new Electoral Act, civic participation and peaceful election in Lokoja.

Abari expressed concern over the relatively poor turnout of voters despite the seeming enthusiasm shown by Nigerians towards the 2023 general election.

He noted: “Though the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has not formally released its analysis of voter turn-out in the elections, going by the analysis of some stakeholders in the (last general) election, less than 30 per cent of registered voters came out to exercise their civic duty on election day.

“Out of the total 93.47 million registered voters, only 24.9 million actually voted in the presidential and National Assembly elections. This represents a meagre 26.72 per cent voter turn-out, the lowest since 1999.”

The DG said the introduction of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) made rigging a very difficult enterprise.

Abari added: “Many have predicted a violent governorship election in Kogi come November. But the state will demonstrate its well known character of love, orderliness and peace during the elections.

“Stakeholders have a duty to take this campaign further to other citizens, who depend on them for information, sensitisation and education during elections.”

He specially called on political parties, socio-political organisations, traditional and religious leaders, youths, women, civil society, media and professional associations to help deepen the country’s democracy.

Acting Director of NOA in Kogi, Patrick Edogbanya, said the stakeholders’ meeting would add impetus to the sensitisation programme, which will help to curb any form of violence before, during and after the election.

Commissioner of Police in Kogi, Bethrand Onuoha, who was represented by the Police Area Commander in Lokoja, ACP Sikiru Suara, said officers of the command were ready for a hitch-free exercise.

He warned that individuals, who intend to perpetuate violence before, during and after the election, shall be arrested and prosecuted.