29/09/2026
Episode 5
ROAD TO 2027: STAKEHOLDERS CALL FOR ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP, VOTER EDUCATION AND GREATER PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA’S ELECTORAL PROCESS
Episode 5 focuses on moving citizens from voter apathy to informed and responsible participation
Benin City, Edo State — The Rally for Peaceful Election, in collaboration with the Indomitable Youths Organization (IYO), Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF) and other stakeholders, has called for stronger citizen participation, sustained voter education and greater civic responsibility as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 General Elections.
The call was made during Episode 5 of the “ Nigeria Elections: Issues & Concerns” series, which focused on the theme:
“From Voter Apathy to Active Citizenship: Why Every Vote Matters”
The session examined Permanent Voters Card (PVC) ownership, voter education, voter turnout and civic responsibility before, during and after elections, with participants emphasizing that democratic participation should extend beyond election day.
The lead presentation was delivered by Mr. Austin Odile, former Edo State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), who described voter apathy as a major challenge to meaningful citizen participation. He noted that apathy may include failure to register, failure to collect or use the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), staying away from polling units, lack of interest in political affairs, distrust of the electoral process and discouragement arising from violence, electoral malpractice and other barriers.
Mr. Odile stressed that democracy depends not only on holding elections but also on meaningful citizen participation. He encouraged citizens to move from passive observation to informed and responsible engagement with democratic processes.
Every Vote and Every Citizen Matters
The discussion highlighted the importance of elections in determining who exercises public authority and how government decisions affect citizens' everyday lives, including education, healthcare, security, infrastructure, justice and the economy.
Participants were encouraged to:
• Register to vote and ensure their voter information is accurately captured.
• Collect and safeguard their PVC.
• Obtain reliable information about electoral procedures and polling locations.
• Learn about candidates, their records, policies, public statements and party platforms.
• Verify political information before sharing it.
• Participate peacefully in elections and reject electoral violence.
• Reject vote buying and selling.
• Monitor elected representatives after elections.
• Demand accountability through lawful and democratic means.
• Continue participating in civic discussions beyond election day.
The session also emphasized that active citizenship does not end when a ballot is cast. Citizens have a continuing role in monitoring government, participating in community affairs and demanding accountability from elected representatives.
Voter Apathy Has Multiple Causes
The discussions identified several factors that may discourage citizens from participating in elections, including distrust in the electoral process, inadequate political education, insecurity, logistical difficulties, transportation challenges, polling-unit issues, misinformation, economic hardship and inadequate access to voter information, particularly in some rural communities.
Participants also raised concerns about the accessibility of civic and voter education in rural areas and stressed the need for information to reach citizens at the grassroots.
Dr. Adeola Adewusi, in his contribution, emphasized the importance of addressing barriers affecting rural communities, including access to voter information and challenges associated with transferring voter registration when citizens relocate.
Political Parties and Civil Society Also Have Roles
Contributors noted that responsibility for strengthening electoral participation should not rest solely with individual voters or the electoral management body.
Participants called for greater involvement of political parties, civil society organizations, civic education institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders in taking voter education and democratic participation messages to communities.
Austin Aigbe emphasized the importance of sustained civic education and urged stakeholders to make greater use of available information and digital platforms to help citizens understand electoral processes.
He also highlighted the need for timely communication about issues such as PVC collection, polling-unit changes and voter relocation.
Responsible Use of Social Media
The session further examined the role of social media in democratic participation.
Participants noted that social media can support democracy by helping to:
• Disseminate credible information;
• Educate voters;
• Facilitate civic discussion;
• Publicize government activities; and
• Mobilize citizens, particularly young people.
At the same time, they warned that misinformation, disinformation, political manipulation, conspiracy theories and excessive partisan hostility can discourage participation and undermine informed public discourse.
Citizens were therefore encouraged to verify information before sharing it and to distinguish facts from propaganda, evidence from rumours, and policies from promises.
Call for Youth and Grassroots Participation
The session recognized the importance of young people's participation in Nigeria's democratic process, given their significant presence within the population.
Participants called for greater efforts to reach young people and citizens in rural and underserved communities with accessible civic and voter education.
The discussion also emphasized the need to encourage citizens to examine candidates based on available information about their policies, records, qualifications, public statements, party platforms and the feasibility of proposed policies, rather than making decisions solely on the basis of party affiliation or unverified information.
Call to Action
As Nigeria moves toward the 2027 elections, the Rally for Peaceful Election urges:
Citizens to take an informed and active interest in democratic processes, register and participate where eligible, protect their PVCs, verify information and vote peacefully.
Civil society organizations to intensify non-partisan civic and voter education, particularly at the grassroots, and create platforms for citizens to engage constructively on electoral issues.
Political parties to strengthen internal civic orientation and provide citizens with clear information about their candidates, programmes and platforms.
Electoral stakeholders to continue improving access to timely and reliable voter information and to communicate effectively with citizens about registration, PVC collection, polling locations and other electoral procedures.
Government and relevant institutions to support sustained civic education and remove practical barriers that discourage citizens from participating in democratic processes.
The Rally for Peaceful Election further calls on Nigerians to recognize that democracy is not only about election day; it is also about what citizens do before, during and after elections.
Conclusion
Episode 5 reinforced the message that building a peaceful and participatory electoral culture requires informed citizens, credible information, sustained civic education, responsible political participation and accountability beyond the ballot box.
The organizers reaffirm their commitment to providing a non-partisan platform for dialogue and public education as the country moves toward the 2027 General Elections.
The journey to 2027 continues. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed, participate peacefully and take responsibility for the future of Nigeria's democracy.
About Rally for Peaceful Election
The Rally for Peaceful Election is a multi-stakeholder, non-partisan platform established on 27 June 2015 to promote peaceful democratic participation and the dividends of democracy through a peace campaign approach. The platform focuses on the electoral process before, during and after elections and is coordinated by the Indomitable Youths Organization (IYO), Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF) and other stakeholders.
The platform is currently implementing the 22-episode Nigeria Elections Issues & Concerns Dialogue Series.
Issued by
Dr. Oniovokukor Bright
Convener, Rally for Peaceful Election
ED, Indomitable Youths Organization (IYO)
+2348068054561
Comr. Jude Obasanmi PhD.
Co-Convener, Rally for Peaceful Election
CRO, Josemaria Escriva Foundation (JOSEF)
SSC, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room
+2348037184035
Indomitable Youths Organization Nigeria Police Force INEC Nigeria INEC Rivers BraveHeart Initiative - BHI
