The recent general elections in Nigeria revealed how political parties and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have passively contributed to voter apathy. This troubling trend is not just a reflection of voter disinterest but also a systemic issue exacerbated by the actions—or inactions—of key electoral stakeholders.
INEC’s Institutional Failings
INEC, Nigeria’s election management body, is entrusted with the critical responsibility of ensuring free and fair elections. Yet, the commission’s operations often appear centered around its chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who at times acts less as a facilitator of democracy and more like a sole administrator.
The 2023 elections brought this concern to light. When faced with mounting allegations of irregularities during the collation of the presidential election results, Prof. Yakubu dismissed criticism with the now-infamous phrase, “Go to court.” Such a cavalier attitude undermines public trust, shifting the burden of electoral credibility to the judiciary while absolving the commission of accountability. This dynamic silences meaningful engagement and reinforces the perception that elections are pre-determined political theatre.
What is even more troubling is the neglect of INEC’s other key departments, such as Operations and Legal, which are vital to the commission’s effectiveness. By operating as though INEC begins and ends with its chairman, the body alienates itself from the people it is meant to serve.
Political Parties and Electoral Impunity
Nigeria’s political parties are just as complicit. Their role in perpetuating voter apathy dates back to the inception of the Fourth Republic. The 1999 PDP primaries in Jos set the stage for the pervasive vote-buying, psychological intimidation, and financial inducement that have since become hallmarks of the country’s electoral system.
The impunity of 2007 remains unforgettable. That election was so poorly managed that even the declared winner, Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, admitted it was deeply flawed. The Justice Uwais-led Political Reform Committee recommended sweeping reforms to prevent a repeat of such failures, but implementation has been stalled by the same political parties that benefit from a compromised system.
Even with the 2023 elections, where technological advances like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) offered a glimmer of hope, these gains were quickly undermined. Political parties resorted to vote-buying—this time with foreign currency—and other manipulative tactics to secure outcomes in their favour.
The Role of Voter Apathy
While systemic failures are significant, the electorate also bears a share of the blame. Many Nigerians register for voter cards not out of conviction but to avoid potential sanctions. Few see the intrinsic value in casting their vote. Apathy is fuelled by decades of disappointment, poor public enlightenment, and the failure of elected officials to deliver on their promises.
Countries like Kenya, however, offer a contrasting narrative. There, elections are treated as high-stakes events, with citizens recognising the direct impact of their votes on governance. In Nigeria, identity politics and divisive regional narratives have replaced a collective sense of civic duty. Turnout spikes during elections framed as North versus South contests but declines during elections where stakes seem less tied to ethno-political sentiments.
Charting a Path Forward
Addressing voter apathy demands bold, systemic change. INEC must reform its structure, ensuring that departments like Operations and Legal operate with autonomy and visibility. Leadership should not overshadow institutional capacity. Political parties must also undergo internal overhauls, prioritising merit over financial inducements in candidate selection.
Public enlightenment is crucial. Civic education campaigns should go beyond reminders to “get your PVC” and instead focus on illustrating the tangible impact of governance. Citizens must be reminded that their votes are not just a civic duty but a tool for accountability and progress.
Finally, systemic restructuring is necessary. Electoral reforms must address not only the symptoms of malpractice but also the root causes. When voters see that their ballots lead to tangible changes, trust in the system will grow, and apathy will diminish.
A Call for Hope
Despite these challenges, the 2023 elections revealed a glimmer of hope. The enthusiasm of first-time voters, particularly among the youth, signals that Nigeria’s democratic spirit is far from extinguished. With sustained reforms and collective efforts to rebuild trust, Nigeria can overcome voter apathy and inch closer to the democratic ideals its citizens have long envisioned.
The road ahead is daunting, but the possibilities for change remain endless. The question now is whether INEC and political parties are ready to rise to the occasion—or if they will allow apathy to define Nigeria’s democratic future.
