INEC Urges Youths, Civic Leaders to Boost Voter Registration Ahead of 2027 Elections

Stakeholders have called on youths and civic leaders to mobilise citizens to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and actively participate in the 2027 general elections.

The call was made during a Civic Literacy Town Hall Workshop titled “Youth Power, Our Voice: Enhancing Civic Literacy and Voter Participation in Lagos State.”

The event was organised by Springwell Development Initiative in partnership with Yiaga Africa, with support from the National Endowment for Democracy.

Speaking at the event, Esther Emeh, Public Relations Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Lagos State, urged community leaders to intensify voter mobilisation across their communities.

Emeh encouraged religious leaders, market influencers and social media personalities to actively promote voter registration and civic participation.

She likened the process to the Biblical story of Isaac digging wells, urging Nigerians to remain persistent despite previous frustrations with the electoral process.

According to her, INEC commenced the Continuous Voter Registration exercise on Aug. 25 and is currently in the second phase of the programme.

Emeh disclosed that many registration centres were recording low turnout, sometimes receiving only two or three registrants daily.

She advised civic leaders to utilise sermons, community meetings, flyers and social media platforms such as TikTok to increase public awareness about voter registration and participation.

The INEC spokesperson also emphasised the need for peaceful elections and inclusive participation, particularly for persons with disabilities and other marginalised groups.

Also speaking, Michael Ogunsola noted that civic education plays a critical role in encouraging young people to participate in the electoral process.

Ogunsola said voter apathy and electoral malpractice had long undermined the credibility of elections but could be addressed through sustained advocacy and public engagement.

He stressed that credibility, accountability and dedication among electoral officials were essential to rebuilding public trust in the electoral system.

In her remarks, Feyikemi Fabiyi-Omoniyi described voter apathy as a major challenge but urged youths to overcome it by participating actively in elections.

Fabiyi-Omoniyi encouraged young Nigerians to register, collect their PVCs and vote for credible leaders capable of delivering good governance.

Similarly, Omolara Ogundare urged residents to take advantage of the ongoing voter registration exercise.

She observed that many registered voters often fail to collect their PVCs or do not turn out during elections.

Ogundare therefore urged citizens to register, collect their PVCs and participate in the Jan. 20, 2027 general elections.

Also speaking, Oseni Kayode of Lagos State University said voting empowers citizens to choose leaders, influence government policies and strengthen democracy.

Kayode encouraged young people to reject the belief that their votes do not count and instead use the electoral process as a tool to hold leaders accountable.