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The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has introduced updated voter education manuals as part of efforts to address voter apathy and increase participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement shared on its official X account, the Commission noted that the initiative was implemented in collaboration with both local and international partners, including the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI).
The newly released materials comprise a revised National Voter Education Manual and a youth-oriented Civic and Voter Education Manual aimed at fostering informed civic engagement, particularly among young Nigerians.
Speaking at the launch, the Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, raised concerns about the consistent decline in voter turnout since Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999.
He observed that participation has fallen from over 60 per cent in 2003 to less than 30 per cent in recent elections, attributing the drop to low motivation and inadequate voter education.
Haruna explained that the manuals were developed in partnership with KDI to enhance public understanding of the electoral process and stimulate wider participation.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the INEC Chairman, National Commissioner Joash Amupitan (SAN) cautioned that voter apathy continues to pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
He referred to recent election data showing a widening participation gap, where a relatively small segment of the population determines leadership outcomes for the majority.
While reaffirming that the Electoral Act 2026 has improved transparency through stronger legal provisions and electronic processes, he emphasised that legislation alone cannot resolve voter disengagement.
“An indifferent electorate is a democracy in retreat,” the keynote address stated, urging sustained investment in civic education to restore public confidence and participation.
In his remarks, KDI Team Leader Bukola Idowu described the initiative as a deliberate strategic effort rather than a routine document unveiling.
He explained that the revised manual reflects current electoral laws, technological developments, and changing patterns of political participation, while the youth-focused version is designed to engage young people as voters, educators, and drivers of change.
Providing additional details, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, said the manual had been thoroughly updated to align with the Electoral Act 2026.
She outlined key revisions, including provisions on party primaries, campaign finance rules, electoral offences, and the continued use of technologies such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
According to her, the updated manual is organised into 11 modules and incorporates international best practices, alongside expanded digital engagement strategies aimed at reaching Nigeria’s increasingly tech-savvy population.
