The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has unveiled updated voter education manuals to tackle voter apathy and encourage greater participation in the 2027 general elections.
In a statement on its official X handle, INEC said the initiative was developed in collaboration with national and international partners, including the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI).
The materials included a revised National Voter Education Manual and a youth-focused Civic and Voter Education Manual, aimed at promoting informed civic engagement among young Nigerians.
Speaking at the launch, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, expressed concern over declining voter turnout since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.
He noted that participation had fallen from over 60 per cent in 2003 to below 30 per cent in recent elections, citing low motivation and insufficient voter education as contributing factors.
Haruna explained that the manuals, developed with KDI, are designed to improve citizens’ understanding of the electoral process and inspire increased engagement.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the INEC Chairman, National Commissioner Joash Amupitan (SAN) warned that voter apathy poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
He cited data showing that a small fraction of the population continues to decide leadership outcomes for the majority.
While emphasising that the Electoral Act 2026 has strengthened transparency through legal reforms and electronic processes, Amupitan stressed that legislation alone cannot solve voter disengagement.
“An indifferent electorate is a democracy in retreat,” he said, calling for sustained investment in civic education to rebuild public trust and participation.
Bukola Idowu, Team Leader of KDI, described the initiative as a strategic intervention rather than a routine document launch.
He said the youth-focused manual targets young people as voters, educators, and agents of change, while reflecting current electoral laws, technological advancements, and evolving patterns of political participation.
Providing further details, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, said the manuals were comprehensively updated to align with the Electoral Act 2026.
Key updates cover party primaries, campaign finance regulations, electoral offences, and continued use of technologies like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
She explained that the manual is structured into 11 modules and incorporates global best practices alongside digital engagement strategies to reach Nigeria’s tech-savvy population.
