NOA embarks on voter apathy and violence sensitization in Kogi

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has begun sensitization and engagement of stakeholders in preparation for the November 11 governorship election in Kogi.

Dr Garba Abari, Director-General of the NOA, stated at the occasion on Wednesday in Lokoja that the campaign was designed to educate stakeholders about the new electoral act, civic involvement, and peace.

Abari assured the agency’s willingness to collaborate with key stakeholders ready to promote and mobilise Nigerians to participate in a peaceful and orderly election, the outcome of which would be the people’s informed decision.

Despite Nigerians’ apparent eagerness for the 2023 general elections, Abari raised concern about the comparatively low voter participation.

He revealed that only 24.9 million of the 93.47 million registered voters actually voted in the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections.

According to him, the turnout is a pitiful 26.72 percent of voters, the lowest number since the return to democracy in 1999.

“Some even claim that the turnout was the lowest since Nigeria’s independence.” Less than half of the eligible population voted in 36 states, with no state exceeding 40% turnout.

“Less than a third of the eligible population voted in the three largest states based on voter registration — Lagos, Kano, and Rivers.”

“Despite producing far more votes in previous elections, Rivers turnout was a dismal 15.6%, the lowest in the country.” Overall, voter indifference poses a significant obstacle to Nigeria’s democracy.

“There is a troubling trend of public disinterest in or apathy towards electoral and democratic processes.”

“In 1999, the turnout was 52.3%.” Officially, it peaked at 69% in 2003, but has subsequently declined, first to 57.5 percent in 2007, then to 53.7 percent in 2011, and finally to 43.7 percent in 2015.

“We hope that INEC and other stakeholders will consider our request to collaborate with NOA on a special study on the causes of low voter turnout during Nigerian elections,” Abari added.

The director-general emphasised that while many feared a violent governorship election in Kogi on Nov. 11, he was certain that the state would display its well-known character for love, orderliness, and peace during the upcoming polls.

“We hope that the new electoral act’s intention to facilitate inclusion of the vulnerable in society, particularly women, the young, and people with disabilities, will be realised as we prepare for and hold Kogi governorship elections,” Abari added.

Earlier, Mr Patrick Edogbanya, Acting State Director of NOA, stated that the stakeholders gathering would add fuel to the sensitization campaign to help avoid any kind of violence before, during, and after the election.

In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi Command, CP Onuoha Bethrand, who was represented by the Police Area Commander in Lokoja, ACP Sikiru Suara, stated that the command’s officers were fully prepared for a smooth operation.

He cautioned that anyone planning to commit violence before, during, or after the election will be detained and prosecuted.

Other speakers at the ceremony included Ukweyan Musa, Chairman of the Kogi Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Idris Muraina, Chairperson of the Kogi Non-Governmental Organisation Network (KONGONET), traditional rulers, and religious leaders, among others.

They appealed for fervent prayers for a peaceful election and urged parents to warn their children about the dangers of using violence to disrupt the Kogi voting process. (NAN