LAGOS — A civil society organisation, the Movement for Credible Elections, has called for an urgent overhaul of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines to tackle persistent voter apathy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group’s spokesman, Mr Olawale Okunniyi, made the call in a statement issued on Wednesday, warning that Nigeria’s democracy faces a critical test if declining voter participation is not addressed.
Citing data from the 2023 general elections, where less than 30 percent of registered voters turned out, Okunniyi described the trend as a serious threat to the legitimacy of elected governments and the stability of democratic institutions.
He argued that the current electoral guidelines fall short of the structural reforms needed to restore public confidence in the system, insisting that voter apathy is not merely a behavioural issue but a rational response to widespread perceptions of electoral compromise.
According to him, Nigerians will only be motivated to participate in elections if they are assured that their votes will count and be protected through a transparent and credible process.
While acknowledging INEC’s efforts to improve transparency, particularly in the conduct of party primaries, Okunniyi stressed that more must be done to enhance election-day logistics, improve voter experience, strengthen voter education, especially among young people and guarantee security while eliminating voter intimidation.
He warned that Nigeria stands at a democratic crossroads, where the credibility of the 2027 elections will depend not on the volume of regulations issued, but on the integrity, inclusiveness and transparency of the entire electoral process.
Okunniyi maintained that public trust cannot be commanded but must be earned through consistent and verifiable actions, urging INEC to go beyond cosmetic adjustments and undertake bold reforms that will ensure the will of the electorate prevails.
He cautioned that failure to act decisively could further deepen electoral distrust and entrench voter apathy across the country.
