IBTD: Vetland Defeats VenoCrest in Debate Over Voter Apathy

The question of who is responsible for Nigeria’s persistent low voter turnout took centre stage in Season 9 of Nigeria Info FM’s I Beg to Differ national secondary school debate tournament.

The debate, featured Vena Crest School, Port Harcourt, and Vetland Senior Grammar School, Lagos, in a round-of-12 contest centred on the motion: “INEC, Not Politicians, Is Responsible for Persistent Low Voter Turnout During Elections.”

The VenoCrest team, represented by Mary-Jane Oluwatosi Clifford and Sarimiye Diane Tamarapreye argued that the Independent National Electoral Commission bears significant responsibility because of its role in conducting elections and educating voters.

They cited issues including technical delays, missing names on voter registers and equipment failures, arguing that such challenges can discourage citizens from voting.

But Vetland Senior Grammar School’s Popoola Oyinkansola Mary and Olagbaju Hepzibah Oluwajomiloju argued that politicians and governance failures play a greater role in voter apathy.

They pointed to unfulfilled campaign promises, declining public trust, political violence and voter intimidation as factors that discourage citizens from participating in elections.

After three rounds of presentations, rebuttals and closing arguments, Vetland emerged winner with a total score of 79.7 points, against Vena Crest’s 70.8.

Vetland scored 72.5 points from the judges and 72 per cent of the audience vote, while Vena Crest received 68 points from the judges and 28 per cent of the audience vote.