Misinformation, Distrust Discouraging Youths From Voting – Amupitan

Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash O. Amupitan (SAN), has identified misinformation, distrust in the electoral process, and low civic awareness as major drivers of voter apathy among young Nigerians. 

He stated this on Wednesday at the unveiling of a revised National Voter Education Manual targeted at young Nigerians, organized by Kimpact Development Initiative in Abuja.

The INEC boss, represented by the chairman of the commission’s information and voter education committee, Alhaji Mohammed Haruna, noted that many Nigerians have lost confidence in elections, often believing that their votes do not count.

This perception, he said, is fueled by misinformation and past electoral controversies, leading to widespread disengagement.

He said the situation has created a dangerous imbalance where a minority determines election outcomes.

“For too long, we have accepted a democracy where the 70 per cent, who stay at home, allow the remaining 30 per cent to decide the future for everyone,” he said.

The INEC chairman stressed that legal reforms alone cannot solve the problem.

He added that young people, who make up the largest voting bloc, are particularly affected by disconnection and weak engagement strategies.

Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative, Bukola Idowu, said the voter education manual was designed to be practical, accessible, and responsive to the needs of the country’s youthful electorate, who make up a large share of registered voters.

He noted that recent elections revealed a worrying drop in participation, driven by gaps in voter awareness, trust, and engagement saying youth-focused version positions young people not only as voters but as educators and advocates within their communities.