The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 general elections, warning citizens against voter apathy, vote-buying, electoral violence and the spread of misinformation.
The agency said it was building on lessons from recent elections in Ekiti and Osun states to strengthen voter mobilisation and promote peaceful, credible and inclusive elections across the country.
The Zonal Director of NOA, Southwest Zone, Kehinde Martins Ogunkuade, made this known on Monday during an interview in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while outlining the agency’s mobilisation strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Ogunkuade said the experience gained during the Ekiti and Osun elections had provided valuable lessons for improving voter participation across the Southwest.
“I was part of the team that worked in Ekiti and Osun states, and, by the grace of God, we witnessed improvements in voter participation. This reflects, in part, the work carried out by the agency. We mobilised citizens and encouraged them to come out and exercise their civic responsibilities,” he said.
He added that the agency was intensifying grassroots engagement and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to encourage more Nigerians to exercise their voting rights.
According to him, NOA officially launched its voter mobilisation campaign on October 15, with activities expected to take place across its directorates and states.
The campaign will involve traditional rulers, religious leaders, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders in the electoral process.
NOA Identifies Fear, Distrust as Causes of Voter Apathy
Ogunkuade identified fear of violence, uncertainty surrounding the electoral process and concerns about voter safety as factors that could discourage citizens from participating in elections.
He said the agency was working with security agencies to reassure voters and promote a peaceful environment before, during and after elections.
The director urged eligible Nigerians, regardless of their political affiliations, to vote for candidates of their choice, stressing that participation was essential to democratic governance.
“My sincere message is that democracy belongs to all of us. As Nigerians, we must participate actively in the democratic process and do everything possible to ensure that it works for the benefit of everyone,” he said.
He also dismissed the perception that individual votes do not matter, urging citizens not to allow themselves to be discouraged from collecting their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and participating in elections.
“Your vote is important, so come out and vote for the candidate of your choice,” he added.
Ogunkuade said NOA personnel would take the mobilisation campaign to traditional palaces, churches, mosques, marketplaces, community meetings and other public gatherings to educate citizens on their civic responsibilities.
He explained that the agency’s grassroots strategy was designed to reach people in different communities and ensure that no group was excluded from voter education.
Agency Warns Against Vote-Buying
The NOA director also urged Nigerians to reject monetary inducements and other material benefits offered in exchange for their votes.
He warned that exchanging votes for short-term financial gains could undermine citizens’ interests and affect governance for years after an election.
“We also take the message directly to grassroots communities: do not sell your future,” Ogunkuade said.
“People must understand that exchanging their votes for a small amount of money or a temporary benefit can undermine their interests for the next four years. They should not sacrifice their future for an immediate gain.”
He said both politicians who offered inducements and voters who accepted them contributed to the problem, stressing the need for sustained public enlightenment to discourage the practice.
Ogunkuade also called on citizens to reject electoral violence, warning that political disagreements should not destroy relationships among family members, friends and neighbours.
He urged Nigerians to defend democracy through lawful means and avoid confrontations over political differences.
“Why should you harm your brother or neighbour over an election?” he asked.
NOA Targets Fake News and AI-Generated Misinformation
On the growing spread of misinformation, fake news and AI-generated content, Ogunkuade said the agency was engaging young people through digital platforms to promote responsible online behaviour.
He urged Nigerians to verify information before sharing it, warning that misleading content could distort public understanding, damage reputations and undermine peaceful electoral participation.
The director disclosed that NOA had an AI-powered interactive platform known as CLHEEAN, which members of the public could access online to ask questions and obtain information.
“We encourage citizens to understand that artificial intelligence should be used to develop knowledge and improve society, not to mislead people or damage their reputations,” he said.
He also cautioned citizens about the potential legal consequences of circulating certain forms of false or harmful information.
NOA Calls for National Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections
Ogunkuade urged political leaders to place national unity above personal and partisan interests, warning against actions that could threaten peace and stability.
He said political leaders should resolve their disagreements peacefully rather than allow disputes among political elites to create tensions within local communities.
According to him, sustained voter education, responsible political communication and cooperation among stakeholders would be important in encouraging participation and protecting the democratic process.
The agency reiterated its commitment to grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging eligible voters to participate peacefully, make informed choices and reject practices that could undermine electoral credibility.
