Olawepo-Hashim Warns of Voter Apathy Ahead of 2027 Elections

Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, the former presidential candidate of the People’s Trust, raised concerns about declining voter participation ahead of the 2027 general elections. He highlighted that voter turnout in presidential elections dropped to 26.71 percent in 2023 from 69.08 percent in 2003.

Speaking through Prof. Abiodun Gabriel Adeniyi at a colloquium in Abuja, he identified factors contributing to voter apathy, including distrust in the electoral process, insecurity, logistical challenges, dissatisfaction with candidates, and perceptions of predetermined election outcomes. Olawepo-Hashim emphasized the need for electoral authorities to enhance the safety, accessibility, and transparency of voting.

He also pointed out that poverty limits citizens' ability to participate in democracy, arguing that economic hardship detracts from political engagement. He called for economic reforms to improve living standards and ensure that the benefits of national wealth are reflected in citizens' lives.

Olawepo-Hashim cited high energy costs as an example of the disconnect between Nigeria's resource wealth and the economic realities faced by citizens.