Idris Urges Nigerians to Reject Vote Buying, Voters Aparth in 2027

 Idris Urges Nigerians to Reject Vote Buying, Voters Aparthy in 2027

By Sarah Kitka

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged Nigerians to reject voter apathy, vote buying and electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general election, stressing the need for peaceful participation to strengthen the country’s democracy.

Idris made the call on Thursday in Abuja during the flag-off of the National Orientation Agency’s (NOA) nationwide grassroots mobilisation campaign for the 2027 general election, themed, “Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Future: Say No to Apathy, Vote Buying and Violence. Let’s Build a United Nigeria in 2027.”

The Minister described elections as a critical opportunity for citizens to determine their leaders and influence the future of their communities and the country, warning that voter apathy, vote trading and electoral violence undermine democratic progress.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic institutions and improving public confidence in the electoral process.

Idris also commended the NOA Director-General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, and the Agency’s staff for initiating the campaign, urging them to sustain nationwide public enlightenment and collaborate with electoral authorities, security agencies, community leaders and other stakeholders.

Speaking at the event, Issa-Onilu said the Agency would deploy its state directorates across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to mobilise citizens through local languages, radio programmes, community dialogues, drama and digital platforms.

He explained that the campaign would promote voter participation, discourage electoral malpractice and violence, and encourage Nigerians to share verified information responsibly.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to conducting a free, fair, transparent, inclusive and credible 2027 general election.

He emphasised the importance of early preparation, collaboration among electoral stakeholders and active citizen participation in ensuring a peaceful and credible electoral process.

The NOA campaign seeks to encourage Nigerians to exercise their voting rights responsibly, respect the choices of others and reject actions that threaten lives, national unity and democratic stability.