The Independent National Electoral Commission has launched updated voter education manuals in a renewed effort to boost participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The commission, in collaboration with development partners, unveiled the National Voter Education Manual and a youth-focused Civic and Voter Education Manual aimed at addressing declining voter turnout.
Chairman of INEC’s Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna, said voter participation has steadily dropped since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
“Participation has declined from over 60% in 2003 to below 30% in recent elections,” he said, noting that many Nigerians either lack the knowledge or motivation to vote.
Haruna said the manuals, developed with the Kimpact Development Initiative, are designed to educate citizens and encourage greater engagement in the electoral process.
Speaking on behalf of INEC Chairman Joash Amupitan, a national commissioner warned that voter apathy remains a major threat to democracy.
“An indifferent electorate is a democracy in retreat,” the commission said in its keynote address, citing data showing that a minority of voters increasingly determines leadership outcomes.
INEC said while the Electoral Act 2026 introduces measures to improve transparency through legal and electronic processes, civic education remains critical to rebuilding trust and increasing voter turnout.
