The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), has unveiled a nationwide voter education strategy aimed at reversing Nigeria’s declining voter turnout ahead of the 2027 general elections.

INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, who spoke on Wednesday at the launch of the National Voter Education Manual and the unveiling of the Civic and Voter Education Community Development Service (CDS) initiative in Abuja, warned that persistent voter apathy poses a serious threat to the country’s democratic development.

The initiative was supported by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

Amupitan noted that recent electoral cycles, including the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-cycle polls, recorded a worrying participation gap, stressing that a democracy dominated by indifferent citizens risks regression.

Represented by chairman of Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, the INEC chairman said “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 said voter apathy, often driven by misinformation, distrust and the belief that votes do not count, must be tackled headlong.

He explained that the newly introduced voter education manual, alongside its youth-friendly version, is designed to equip citizens with the knowledge required to participate meaningfully in the electoral process, particularly in light of innovations introduced under the Electoral Act 2026.

According to him, while the new legal framework strengthens the credibility of elections through enhanced electronic transmission of results and stricter accountability measures, legislation alone cannot address declining public trust without sustained civic education.

A key component of the initiative is the deployment of NYSC members as grassroots voter educators through the CDS platform.

The INEC chairman said the Commission is “deploying an army of enlightened young Nigerians” to drive voter awareness across schools, markets, religious centres and rural communities, leveraging the credibility of youth-led communication.

He said: “We must speak candidly about the challenge before us. in recent electoral cycles, we have witnessed a sobering trend of voter apathy. Data from the 2023

“General Elections and subsequent off-cycle polls show a participation gap that we cannot afford to ignore. When citizens stay away from the ballot, they inadvertently surrender their power to a few. Voter apathy is often the child of misinformation, doubt, and the belief that votes do not count. | stand here to reassure you that with INEC your votes will always count.

“With the recent signing of the Electoral Act 2026, we now have a legal framework that further reinforces the sanctity of the ballot through enhanced electronic transmission and stricter accountability. However, the law alone is not a panacea. The true antidote to apathy is education driven by consistent publicity.”

On his part, Haruna noted that voter turnout, which stood at over 60 per cent in 2003, has dropped to below 30 per cent in recent elections.

“It is one thing to have the right to vote, it is another to exercise it, and yet another to know how to do so effectively,” Haruna said, adding that the updated manual reflects recent legal and technological changes in the electoral process.

Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), Bukola Idowu, described the initiative as a strategic intervention to address gaps in voter awareness, trust and engagement, particularly among young Nigerians who constitute a significant portion of the electorate.

Idowu said the development of a simplified, youth-friendly version of the manual shows the importance of positioning young people not only as voters but also as civic educators and advocates within their communities.

He said: “The effort comes at a crucial time in Nigeria’s democratic journey. Our electoral and democratic landscape continues to evolve, shaped by new legal frameworks, including recent electoral reforms signed into law by the president, as well as emerging realities in citizen engagement, technology, and political participation.

“It became imperative, therefore, to ensure that the National Voter Education Manual is not only current and accurate but also responsive, practical, and accessible—especially to young Nigerians, who represent a significant portion of our population and electorate.