POLITICS
INEC Raises Alarm Over Voter Apathy In Akwa Ibom
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expressed concern over low voter registration in Akwa Ibom State, warning that poor participation in the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise could undermine citizen representation in the 2027 general elections.
The warning was issued by the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Prof. Anugbum Onuoha, during The Orange Experience 1.0, a media symposium held at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Uyo.
The symposium, organised by the Publisher of The Orange Newspaper, Harrison Ndifreke, focused on the theme, “The Print Media, Security and Citizens’ Engagement in the 2027 Polls.” It attracted journalists, academics, government officials, security personnel, civil society groups, students and members of the public.
Speaking during a panel discussion, Prof. Onuoha described voter registration as the foundation of democratic participation, stressing that eligible citizens who fail to register risk being excluded from the electoral process.
He particularly urged youths and first-time voters to take advantage of the ongoing CVR exercise and obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), noting that active participation remains essential to strengthening democratic governance.
The REC also underscored the role of the media in promoting credible elections, describing journalists as key partners in voter education, public enlightenment and the fight against misinformation.
According to him, responsible journalism is critical to ensuring peaceful, transparent and credible elections, especially as political activities ahead of the 2027 polls begin to gather momentum.
Participants at the symposium identified voter apathy, fake news, misinformation and inadequate civic education as major threats to Nigeria’s democratic process and electoral integrity.
They called for stronger collaboration among electoral authorities, media organisations, security agencies and citizens to enhance public confidence in democratic institutions and encourage greater participation in elections.
Stakeholders also advocated issue-based campaigns, urging political actors to focus on policies, governance records and development programmes rather than ethnic, religious or personality-driven considerations.
The event was chaired by the Clerk of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Mrs Nsikak-Abasi Orok, who commended efforts to promote civic engagement and democratic accountability.
She praised the organisers for creating a platform for dialogue on electoral participation, media responsibility and the future of Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.