The Network for Peace and Inclusive Development (NPID) has expressed concern over the dwindling voter turnout in Nigeria’s elections, warning that continued apathy among citizens, especially the youth, poses a threat to the country’s democracy.
Speaking at a Town Hall Meeting on Voter and Civic Education held at Labour House, Minna, Niger State, the Chief Executive Officer of NPID, Muhammad Isah Muhammad, described elections as the “cornerstone of democratic governance,” stressing that without active participation, the credibility of the process would be undermined.
He noted that while Nigeria recorded over 69 percent voter participation in 2003, the figure plummeted to about 28 percent in the 2023 general elections.
“This drastic decline reflects widespread distrust in the electoral process, insecurity, poverty, and the menace of violence and thuggery,” Muhammad said,
He urged young Nigerians to rise above voter apathy and actively contribute to building credible and peaceful elections.
The NPID boss further appealed to youths to shun thuggery, vote buying, ballot snatching, and other vices, stressing that they must become “ambassadors of peace and agents of credible elections.”
In his remarks, the Niger State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mallam Yahaya Ibrahim Gbongbo, advised young people not to allow themselves to be manipulated by politicians during the forthcoming local government elections.
He emphasized that democracy thrives only when elections are free of violence and malpractice.
Also, the Chief Executive Officer of PASSCARD Consulting Limited, Hajiya Sadiya Shiekh Abdullah, represented by Maimuna Raji Egigogo, underscored the importance of the active involvement of youths and women in the electoral process.
According to her, their participation has the potential to shape not only election outcomes but also the trajectory of governance in Nigeria.
The Town Hall meeting, organized by NPID in collaboration with PASSCARD Consulting Limited, attracted over 60 stakeholders, including representatives of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), women groups, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), and persons with special needs.
