NOA Identifies Key Issues Eroding Electoral Confidence

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has identified several factors eroding Nigerians' confidence in the electoral process, including election violence, misinformation, vote buying, and declining trust. Olukemi Afolayan, the Director of Civic, Values and Democracy Education at the NOA, made these statements during an election roundtable in Abuja on Thursday, organized by Create Studio Nigeria and the Humanitarian Foundation for Social Justice.

Afolayan highlighted that many young Nigerians perceive their votes as insignificant, contributing to voter apathy. She stressed the importance of restoring citizens' confidence in democracy to encourage greater electoral participation.

Afolayan described young Nigerians as critical stakeholders in the nation's democratic development and emphasized the need for civic education to empower them. She urged citizens to reject vote buying, resist misinformation, and demand issue-based campaigns.

Additionally, Prof. Ajibade Michael called for the exclusion of individuals over 70 from the political system, advocating for younger leaders who are more equipped to address contemporary challenges.