By Usman Muhammed Zaria
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called on Nigerians to participate actively in the 2027 general elections and reject voter apathy, vote buying and electoral violence.
The Director-General of the Agency made the call during a town hall meeting on grassroots voter mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the theme, “Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Future: Say No to Apathy, Vote Buying and Violence — Let’s Build a United Nigeria in 2027.’
He described voter participation as essential to strengthening democracy, promoting accountability and ensuring that citizens contribute to decisions affecting their communities and the country.
The NOA Director-General urged eligible voters to register, verify their polling units and familiarise themselves with electoral procedures, stressing that citizens should not allow disappointment, intimidation or political differences to discourage them from voting.
He also warned against vote buying, describing the practice as a threat to electoral integrity, and urged political parties and candidates to focus on issue-based campaigns and respect electoral laws.
On electoral security, the Director-General called on security agencies to strengthen collaboration, intelligence gathering and operational preparedness to ensure peaceful elections and protect voters.
He also cautioned young people against allowing themselves to be used as instruments of political violence, emphasising that no political ambition was worth the loss of human lives.
The Agency further urged traditional and religious leaders to use their influence to promote peaceful coexistence, political tolerance and responsible citizenship at the grassroots.
The NOA boss stressed the need for greater participation by young people, women and persons with disabilities, saying an inclusive electoral process would strengthen the country’s democracy.
He also called on media organisations, journalists and social media users to promote responsible communication, verify information before sharing and avoid spreading misinformation, disinformation and hate speech capable of inciting violence.
He said the Agency would intensify grassroots voter education through its state directorates and Community Orientation and Mobilisation Officers across local government areas.
According to him, the campaign would involve town hall meetings, traditional and religious institutions, markets, motor parks, schools, radio programmes and digital platforms, in collaboration with INEC, security agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The Director-General reaffirmed that the NOA was non-partisan and committed to promoting informed electoral participation without discrimination based on political affiliation, ethnicity, religion or social status.
He urged Nigerians to take the message of peaceful participation beyond the town hall meeting and make the 2027 general elections an opportunity to strengthen democracy, national unity and peaceful coexistence.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
