A democracy advocacy group, KDI, has warned that electoral violence, poor voter education and cumbersome Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection procedures could worsen voter apathy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Senior Program Manager, Democratic Accountability and Elections at KDI, Umar Dan’Assabe Muhammed, disclosed this while speaking on Frontline on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
According to Muhammed, voter turnout had remained a major challenge for Nigeria’s democracy since 1999, noting that the gap between registered voters and actual votes cast raised concerns about citizens’ participation in the electoral process.
“Voter turnout has been a major challenge for Nigeria's democracy since 1999, and it has consistently nose-dived from 1999 up till the 2023 general election.”
He attributed the trend partly to disenchantment with governance, saying many Nigerians who mobilised support for candidates had become discouraged by the performance of elected officials.
“Nigerians have voted, organized for candidates, but those elected go into office and disappoint voters.”
Muhammed added that declining trust in the electoral process and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, had further discouraged participation, with some voters believing their votes would not count.
“Many voters believe their votes will not count so they say 'vote no go count' and stay away.”
On PVC collection, he said cumbersome procedures, inadequate information and logistical difficulties could prevent eligible voters from completing the process, particularly young people.
He explained that although INEC had introduced online options for parts of the registration process, some citizens still encountered difficulties at different stages, while others were unaware that PVC collection had commenced.
He said, “For every single step, people get lost along the way.”
According to him, some voters also face difficulties accessing collection centres because PVC collection is organised around designated locations, forcing residents in large wards to travel considerable distances and incur additional costs. He added that some people do not receive their cards on their first visit.
Muhammed said some Nigerians register primarily to obtain a means of identification rather than to participate in elections, while others abandon the process because of the time and effort involved.
“The process from registration to voting is extremely too long for this generation to cope with. As young people's level of perseverance is low, so they give up and don't vote even after collecting PVC.”
He, however, described INEC’s improvements to the process as encouraging, urging eligible voters, especially young people, to take advantage of the available online options.
“You can do everything online up to biometric capture, and only need to appear physically to collect PVC and to vote, which is a very good improvement that citizens, especially young people, should embrace.”
The KDI programme manager identified voter education as another major gap, stressing that although INEC partners with civil society organisations and the media to inform citizens, the National Orientation Agency, NOA, and political parties also have important responsibilities.
He said inadequate public information leaves some eligible voters unaware of registration procedures and PVC collection, while weak mobilisation limits participation.
Muhammed also criticised political parties for failing to campaign effectively on issues affecting citizens, arguing that campaigns focused on attacking opponents rather than presenting practical solutions were unlikely to inspire voter participation.
“What the people really want to hear from political actors is how to better their lot, but instead the polity is heated with electoral violence.”
He said political campaigns should address pressing concerns, including economic hardship and public services, rather than become platforms for hostility and political confrontation.
On the influence of social media, Muhammed cited the 2023 presidential election and Peter Obi’s campaign as an example of how digital mobilisation could increase political participation and introduce a strong contender into a contest traditionally dominated by the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
He, however, cautioned that online popularity did not automatically translate into votes, stressing that supporters must also turn out at polling stations on election day.
Muhammed further identified fear of electoral violence as a significant reason some Nigerians avoid voting, listing physical attacks, destruction of campaign materials and vote buying among practices that could undermine confidence in the electoral process.
He said the tense atmosphere surrounding elections could discourage voters who fear for their safety.
The KDI manager called on INEC, security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to work together to improve voter education, address logistical challenges and promote peaceful elections ahead of 2027.
He stressed that political participation should go beyond obtaining a PVC for identification purposes to voting and holding elected officials accountable, adding that improved campaigns focused on citizens’ needs and stronger institutional accountability were essential to increasing voter turnout.
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