The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has introduced updated voter education manuals aimed at addressing voter apathy and encouraging greater participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement shared on its official X handle, the commission said the initiative was implemented in collaboration with national and international partners, including the Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI).
The new materials include a revised National Voter Education Manual as well as a youth-focused Civic and Voter Education Manual, both designed to promote informed civic participation, particularly among young Nigerians.
Speaking during the launch, Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, expressed concern about the continuous drop in voter turnout since Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999.
He noted that voter participation declined from more than 60 per cent in 2003 to below 30 per cent in recent elections, linking the trend to low motivation and limited voter education.
Haruna explained that the manuals were developed in partnership with KDI to help citizens better understand the electoral process and encourage wider involvement in elections.
Delivering a keynote address on behalf of the INEC Chairman, National Commissioner Joash Amupitan (SAN) warned that voter apathy poses a serious risk to Nigeria’s democracy.
He referenced data from recent elections 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 strengthened transparency through improved legal frameworks and the use of electronic processes, he stressed that legislation alone cannot solve the challenge of voter disengagement.
“An indifferent electorate is a democracy in retreat,” the keynote address stated, calling for sustained investment in civic education to rebuild public trust and participation.
In his remarks, Team Leader of KDI, Bukola Idowu, described the initiative as more than a routine unveiling of documents, calling it a strategic intervention to deepen democratic engagement.
He explained that the revised manual reflects current electoral laws, technological developments, and evolving patterns of political participation. According to him, the youth-focused version is specifically designed to engage young people not only as voters but also as educators and agents of change.
Providing additional details, INEC’s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, Victoria Eta-Messi, said the manual had been extensively updated to align with the Electoral Act 2026.
She highlighted major revisions, including new provisions on party primaries, campaign finance regulations, electoral offences, and the continued use of technology such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS).
Eta-Messi added that the updated manual is organised into 11 modules and incorporates global best practices, alongside expanded digital engagement strategies aimed at reaching Nigeria’s increasingly tech-savvy population.
