INEC Chairman Urges Enhanced Voter Education Nationwide

On Wednesday, INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan directed Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) to intensify voter education efforts across Nigeria. He stressed that sound policies mean little if citizens do not understand the electoral process.

This directive came during a meeting in Abuja following the FCT Area Council elections. Amupitan acknowledged a modest improvement in voter turnout, with participation rising to approximately 15% in the FCT elections, where 239,000 voters cast ballots compared to 148,685 in 2022.

However, he expressed concern over persistent voter apathy. He urged RECs to conduct continuous voter awareness campaigns and ensure that citizens verify polling unit details ahead of elections.

Amupitan also warned against absenteeism and dereliction of duty among staff, stating that such behavior would face sanctions. He highlighted logistical lapses during the FCT elections, where only 45% of polling units opened on time, and emphasized the importance of a credible electoral process leading up to the 2027 general elections.