2027 Elections: KDI Warns Voter Apathy May Worsen as Nigerians Doubt Their Votes Will Count

Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), a democracy advocacy group, has raised concerns over growing doubts among Nigerians about whether their votes will count in the 2027 general elections, warning that the situation could worsen voter apathy.

Umar Dan’Assabe Muhammed, KDI’s Senior Programme Manager for Democratic Accountability and Elections, expressed the concern on Thursday during an interview on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, monitored by DAILY POST in Abeokuta.

Muhammed said low voter turnout had remained a persistent challenge for Nigeria’s democracy since the return to civilian rule in 1999.

He attributed the trend to public dissatisfaction with governance and the perceived failure of elected officials to meet voters’ expectations. He also argued that actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had contributed to discouraging electoral participation.

“Voter turnout has been a major challenge for Nigeria’s democracy since 1999, and it has consistently nose-dived from 1999 up till the 2023 general election,” he said.

Muhammed noted that some citizens had become reluctant to participate in elections because they believed their votes would not influence the outcome.

“Nigerians have voted, organized for candidates, but those elected go into office and disappoint voters. Many voters believe their votes will not count so they say ‘vote no go count’ and stay away,” he stated.

PVC Collection, Voter Education Raise Concerns

The KDI official identified difficulties with Permanent Voter Card (PVC) collection, inadequate voter education and fears of electoral violence as additional factors that could discourage eligible voters from participating in 2027.

According to him, some citizens face challenges accessing PVC collection centres, with distance, transportation costs and insufficient information creating further barriers.

He also observed that some people register as voters primarily to obtain identification rather than to participate in elections.

However, Muhammed acknowledged improvements in INEC’s registration process, including online procedures that allow applicants to complete steps before biometric capture.

“You can do everything online up to biometric capture, and only need to appear physically to collect PVC and to vote, which is a very good improvement that citizens, especially young people, should embrace,” he said.

He urged INEC, the National Orientation Agency, political parties, civil society organisations and the media to intensify voter education ahead of the elections.

KDI Urges Issue-Based Campaigns

Muhammed also criticised political parties for concentrating on attacks against opponents rather than presenting clear policies to address citizens’ concerns.

He referenced the 2023 presidential election and Peter Obi’s campaign as an example of how social media can encourage political participation. However, he cautioned that online popularity does not necessarily translate into votes at the polling stations.

The KDI official further identified physical attacks, destruction of campaign materials and vote buying as practices that undermine public confidence in elections.

He called on INEC, security agencies, political parties and citizens to work together to improve voter education, strengthen trust in the electoral process and promote peaceful participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.