The emergence of more than six million new voters at the end of the third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise is both cheering and challenging. It is cheering because the number signals a possible higher voter participation in the 2027 general elections. It is challenging because, while the new registration indicates the electorate’s willingness, this will not translate into more participatory democracy unless the electoral processes are perfected to earn the trust and confidence of Nigerians. The path towards that perfection is still very rough.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) announced that more than six million new voters have been registered ahead of the 2027 general elections at the end of the third phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise on July 26, 2026.

Although the number of newly registered voters fell short of INEC’s projection, the prevailing expectation is that the 2027 general elections will see a significant improvement in voter turnout. With the total number of registered voters now exceeding 100 million, it is hoped that the 2027 polls will mark a turning point from low turnout to popular participation.

It is worth noting that, of the over 87 million eligible voters who collected permanent voter cards (PVCs) among the over 93 million voters captured in the register ahead of the 2023 general elections, only 24.5 million voters participated in the last presidential election, representing 27 per cent voter turnout.

The prevailing trend of low voter turnout paints a picture of weak democratic governance and underscores citizens’ lack of faith in the institution mandated to legitimise democracy through credible elections.

Indifference to elections among the general public exacerbates public distrust, with far-reaching consequences that endanger democracy. Considering that the voter turnout in the 2023 General Election was eight per cent lower than in 2019, the expectation is that the declining trend in voter turnout will not recur in 2027.

It is worrying that the off-cycle polls held across the country over the last three years have not shown any significant improvement, as more Nigerians appear apathetic toward elections. Popular participation in elections is the hallmark of a healthy democracy. Elections, more than periodic events, provide citizens with the opportunity to rekindle their faith in democracy through the approbation expressed at the ballot box.

There is a need for the electorate to prioritise participation in elections to demonstrate the power of the ballot and reclaim the legitimacy of the citizenry, which approximates the sanctity of their mandate.  When citizens are lethargic about elections, they forfeit their rights as the repository of political power. Therefore, addressing the growing challenge of low voter turnout should be seen as a collective responsibility of all stakeholders in the electoral process.  Although INEC has reiterated its determination to make every valid vote count in the 2027 General Election, the reality is that the challenge of voter apathy is beyond what the electoral umpire can remedy without active support from all stakeholders.

Notwithstanding, INEC must recognise that an electoral system characterised by perceptions of unmitigated flaws and manipulated outcomes, real or imagined, portends a disincentive to eligible voters. Citizens, frustrated by past experience of flawed elections, need to be reassured of the credibility of the forthcoming exercise.

It is therefore incumbent on the electoral body to demonstrate its commitment to a transparent process ahead of the 2027 General Election to restore the trust and confidence of the electorate. The governorship election in Osun State presented yet another litmus test for Professor Amupitan’s leadership of INEC to convince Nigerians of his readiness to conduct transparent and credible polls.

It is understandable that political actors are the least bothered by the trend of voter apathy for obvious reasons. Low voter turnout encourages vote-buying and provides a ready incentive for manipulation. In a situation where politics is less about the contest of ideas but more about transactions by the highest bidders, politicians bent on winning at all costs will be more comfortable with low voter turnout.

As a consequence, most elite voters are inclined to conclude that their votes will not count, since politicians are more interested in buying their way into power. Under the prevailing circumstances, INEC must ensure that the rules and regulations governing political engagements and the election process are enforced to rekindle the confidence of the electorate, some of whom are disillusioned by the glaring misconduct of political actors, particularly those with incumbency power.

The expectation is that the 2027 General Elections will deliver credible outcomes that reflect the wishes of the people as expressed at the polling units. INEC must recognise that the avalanche of election petitions that has become a dominant feature of the electoral process in Nigeria in recent years is an indictment. The ballot box, rather than the judiciary, should determine the actual winners of all elections. Lack of transparency and deliberate compromise of the process create opportunities for politicians who see the judiciary as the likely enabler of their inordinate ambitions.

Election petitions should be an option only when it is absolutely necessary for the judiciary to intervene. More importantly, citizens must be resolute in demanding credible elections by playing their part as equal stakeholders, ensuring their votes genuinely count in the interest of democracy. The electorate must realise that compromised citizens during elections can neither demand dividends of governance nor hold elected representatives accountable.