Voter Apathy and Money Politics Threaten Nigeria's Democracy

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has raised alarms regarding voter apathy and money politics as grave threats to Nigeria's democracy. During a joint press conference in Abuja commemorating Nigeria's 2026 Democracy Day, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, the Director General of IPCR, and Gift Omoniwa, Director of Programs at Search Common Ground, emphasized that the challenges facing Nigerian democracy stem from inadequate citizen participation and a weak democratic culture.

They noted that declining trust in institutions, fear of electoral violence, and misinformation contribute to voter disengagement. Ochogwu warned that when citizens withdraw from the democratic process, it creates opportunities for manipulation and undermines the legitimacy of elected governments.

He called on Nigerians, particularly the youth, to reject apathy and actively engage in the electoral process. Omoniwa expressed concerns about the vulnerability of Nigerian youth to recruitment by violent extremist groups, highlighting the need for innovative approaches to counter these threats and promote peace and social cohesion.