As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather pace, many residents of Port Harcourt say they have little or no confidence in the electoral process, with a large number expressing reluctance to vote. In a street survey, most of the residents who spoke said they do not intend to participate in the elections. They argued that voting has lost its value because, in their view, those elected are not always the ones who eventually assume office.
Several respondents said repeated election irregularities and corruption have discouraged them from trusting the electoral process. According to them, owning a Permanent Voter Card (PVC) and casting a ballot no longer guarantee that their vote will influence the outcome.
Despite the widespread scepticism, a few residents said they remain committed to voting.
One respondent insisted that participating in the election is a matter of personal responsibility. "Even if they say our vote will not count, at least for my conscience, I'll vote," the resident said. The responses reflect a growing wave of political apathy among many Nigerians in recent years. Concerns over the credibility of elections and public trust in the democratic process continue to shape citizens' willingness to participate at the polls.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, many Nigerians are asking the same questions. When will every vote truly count? And when will the electoral process inspire enough confidence to restore public faith in the country's democracy?
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