Election violence, vote buying eroding Nigerians’ confidence, NOA

Election violence, misinformation, and vote buying are significantly eroding Nigerians' confidence in the electoral process, according to the National Orientation Agency (NOA). Olukemi Afolayan, Director of Civic, Values and Democracy Education at NOA, highlighted these issues on Thursday in Abuja during an election roundtable.

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Yet, across many democracies, including Nigeria, we are confronted with the challenge of declining trust, voter apathy, misinformation, vote buying, election violence and the growing perception among some citizens, particularly young people, that their votes do not make a meaningful difference.

Afolayan stated that a growing perception, particularly among young Nigerians, that their votes do not make a meaningful difference is fueling voter apathy. "Yet, across many democracies, including Nigeria, we are confronted with the challenge of declining trust, voter apathy, misinformation, vote buying, election violence and the growing perception among some citizens, particularly young people, that their votes do not make a meaningful difference," she said.

Restoring citizens' confidence in the democratic process is crucial to reversing voter apathy and encouraging greater participation, Afolayan emphasized. "This is why reclaiming our vote must begin with reclaiming citizens’ confidence in the democratic process," she asserted. She described young Nigerians as vital stakeholders in the nation's democratic development, noting that their participation is essential for the future of democracy.

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This is why reclaiming our vote must begin with reclaiming citizens’ confidence in the democratic process.

Afolayan stressed that enfranchising a new generation of voters requires more than just encouraging registration and voting. It necessitates equipping them with civic knowledge and values. "At the National Orientation Agency, we believe that civic education and values reorientation are essential pillars of democratic development," she stated. "Citizens must understand not only how to vote, but why their vote matters; not only their rights, but also their responsibilities."

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Nigeria is a youthful nation. Our young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are active stakeholders in the Nigeria of today.

Meanwhile, a university don, Prof. Ajibade Michael, suggested that Nigerians over 70 should leave the country's political system, arguing that younger individuals are better positioned to shape the nation's future. He proposed that political leadership should prioritize those between 25 and 70, citing their greater mental alertness and physical activity.

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At the National Orientation Agency, we believe that civic education and values reorientation are essential pillars of democratic development.