Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris has urged Nigerians to reject voter apathy, vote buying and electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general election, stressing that active and peaceful participation is essential to strengthening the country’s democracy.
Idris made the call on Thursday, October 15, at the launch of the National Orientation Agency’s (NOA) nationwide grassroots mobilisation campaign for the 2027 elections in Abuja. The campaign is themed, “Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Future: Say No to Apathy, Vote Buying and Violence. Let’s Build a United Nigeria in 2027.”
The minister said every eligible Nigerian had a responsibility to participate in the democratic process and help determine the country’s leadership and development priorities.
“An election is more than a day at the polling unit. It is an opportunity for citizens to decide who represents them and to influence the direction of their communities and country,” Idris said.
He warned that when eligible voters stay away from elections, sell their votes or resort to violence, the credibility of the electoral process and public confidence in democratic institutions suffer. He particularly urged young people and first-time voters to resist financial inducements and intimidation from politicians and their supporters.
Idris said the Federal Government was committed to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions through measures intended to promote transparency, accountability and public confidence in elections. He also encouraged citizens to familiarise themselves with the laws and procedures governing the 2027 polls.
The minister commended NOA Director-General Lanre Issa-Onilu for initiating the campaign, describing public enlightenment as an important tool for building an informed electorate.
Issa-Onilu said the agency would deploy its state directorates across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to take the campaign to communities nationwide.
He said the mobilisation would use local languages, radio programmes, community dialogues, drama and digital platforms to encourage voter participation, discourage electoral malpractice and promote the responsible sharing of verified information.
The campaign is expected to involve government institutions, electoral authorities, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and community groups. The agency said sustained grassroots engagement would be necessary to reach voters in both rural and urban areas.
Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Joash Amupitan also called on the NOA to extend voter education to communities across the country. He said the commission was committed to delivering a credible and inclusive 2027 election, while emphasising the importance of early preparation and cooperation among electoral stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu reaffirmed the police commitment to providing a secure environment for voters, electoral officials and election materials.
Disu urged political parties, candidates and their supporters to conduct issue-based campaigns, respect opposing views and comply with the law. He warned against intimidation, ballot snatching, destruction of electoral materials and other acts capable of disrupting public order.
He also cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be recruited into electoral violence, saying the police would work with INEC and other security agencies to address threats before, during and after the elections.
Voter apathy, vote buying and electoral violence remain key concerns in Nigeria’s electoral process. Vote buying can undermine voters’ freedom to make independent choices, while low participation can leave elected representatives with a narrower share of eligible citizens’ support.
The grassroots mobilisation campaign seeks to encourage Nigerians to exercise their voting rights peacefully, reject inducements and intimidation, and contribute to an electoral process that reflects citizens’ choices ahead of the 2027 general election.
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