The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed fresh concerns about voter apathy as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections. The commission says declining voter participation and public distrust remain major challenges to the country’s democratic process.
INEC Chairman, Professor Joash Amupitan, has repeatedly warned that fewer Nigerians are participating in elections despite the growing number of registered voters. He believes the trend requires urgent attention from electoral authorities, political parties and other stakeholders.
The commission has also identified misinformation and disinformation as threats to public confidence. These challenges could discourage eligible citizens from voting and weaken their interest in the electoral process.
As political activities gather momentum, INEC wants Nigerians to take a more active role in deciding the country’s leadership. However, restoring public confidence remains an important part of that effort.
INEC Highlights Declining Voter Participation
Amupitan has described the steady decline in voter turnout as a serious concern for Nigeria’s democracy. He noted that presidential election figures show a significant drop in participation over the years.
According to figures presented by INEC, voter turnout declined from 53.7 per cent in 2011 to 43.6 per cent in 2015. It dropped further to 34.7 per cent in 2019 before reaching approximately 26.7 per cent in 2023.
The figures show that fewer registered voters are participating in presidential elections. Consequently, the commission faces growing pressure to understand the reasons behind the decline.
Several factors could influence voters’ decisions to stay away from polling stations. These include dissatisfaction with political leadership, concerns about electoral transparency, insecurity and a lack of confidence in the electoral process.
Furthermore, some Nigerians believe their votes may not produce meaningful changes in government policies or living conditions. Such perceptions can discourage participation, particularly when citizens feel disconnected from political institutions.
Speaking during an electoral stakeholders’ engagement in February 2026, Amupitan called on political parties to support voter education and mobilisation. He also stressed that technology alone cannot solve voter apathy.
Meanwhile, INEC’s Continuous Voter Registration exercise recorded 10,772,421 new registrants between August 2025 and July 2026. The exercise took place in three phases and contributed to the expansion of the national voter register.
However, increased registration does not automatically translate into higher election turnout. The commission must also encourage registered voters to collect their Permanent Voter Cards and participate on election day.
INEC Strengthens Preparations for 2027 General Elections
Beyond voter registration, INEC has intensified its preparations for the next general elections. The commission has engaged its officials across the country’s six geopolitical zones to assess readiness and address possible operational challenges.
During a meeting in Port Harcourt on November 2, Amupitan warned electoral officials about the serious trust deficit facing the commission. He urged them to avoid mistakes that could further damage public confidence.
He also emphasised the need for early preparations, proper handling of election results and timely transmission of results from polling units.
In addition, the National Orientation Agency launched a nationwide grassroots mobilisation campaign on October 15. The initiative aims to discourage voter apathy, vote buying and electoral violence ahead of the 2027 elections.
The agency plans to reach communities across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. It will use radio programmes, community meetings, local languages and digital platforms to promote civic participation.
INEC Chairman has also called on the agency to take voter education to markets, schools, places of worship and rural communities. The campaign seeks to help Nigerians understand their electoral responsibilities and the importance of peaceful participation.
According to INEC’s revised timetable, the presidential and National Assembly elections will hold on January 16, 2027. Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will follow on February 6, 2027.
As preparations continue, the commission faces the task of improving electoral transparency and rebuilding public trust. Its ability to address voter apathy will remain an important issue ahead of the 2027 general elections.