News

“Many Nigerians take elections lightly, failing to realize that the leaders who emerge will have a lasting impact on their lives,” warned Dr. Adoyi Matthew Omale, a political analyst and former local government chairman, during Electoral Reform Half Hour on NTA News 24, hosted by Ezenwa Nwagwu, Executive Director, PAACA. His remarks underscored growing concerns over misinformation and voter apathy, which continue to threaten Nigeria’s democratic process.

Dr. Omale highlighted the dangers of misinformation in shaping voter behavior, explaining how false narratives about candidates, election rigging, and security threats lead to confusion and discourage participation. He stressed the importance of strengthening fact-checking mechanisms and ensuring that institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) respond to misinformation in real time.

Voter apathy remains a serious concern, with turnout rates hovering between 26-30% alarmingly low compared to other African nations. Dr. Omale attributed this to political disillusionment, fear of electoral violence, and a lack of trust in the electoral process. He pointed out that many Nigerians treat election day as an ordinary holiday rather than a civic responsibility, failing to recognize how election outcomes impact their daily lives. Political education, he argued, is crucial in reversing this trend and restoring public confidence in the voting process.

Another pressing issue is the independence of INEC. Currently, the commission’s chairman and electoral commissioners are appointed by the president and confirmed by the National Assembly, leading to concerns about political bias. Dr. Omale supported recommendations from the Justice Uwais Committee, advocating for INEC appointments to be handled by an independent body such as the National Judicial Council(NJC) to enhance transparency and public trust.

Dr. Omale also addressed the issue of diaspora voting, which has been a topic of increasing discussion. While he supports allowing Nigerians abroad to vote, he underscored the need for strict guidelines to prevent electoral fraud and manipulation.

To improve Nigeria’s electoral system, Dr. Omale recommended several measures, including strengthening misinformation countermeasures, expanding voter education initiatives, reforming INEC appointment procedures, and establishing a secure and transparent diaspora voting system.

With the 2027 elections approaching, Nigeria faces a critical moment in its democratic evolution. Whether voter participation increases or misinformation and electoral distrust persist will depend on the collective efforts of the government, civil society, and the electorate itself.