The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) is emphasizing the need for comprehensive voters’ education to combat misinformation ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. According to PAACA, many Nigerians lack a clear understanding of the country’s electoral legal framework, which contribute to the spread of false information about the electoral process.
During a recent event in Kwara State, PAACA’s Executive Director, Ezenwa Nwagwu, highlighted the importance of addressing this knowledge gap. He noted that much of the misinformation surrounding Nigeria’s elections stems from a poor understanding of the laws and procedures governing the polls. Nwagwu expressed concern over the level of ignorance among Nigerians and emphasized the need for education to bridge this gap.
PAACA plans to engage stakeholders through town hall meetings and other platforms to deepen public understanding of the electoral process and promote democratic participation. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Kwara State has also echoed the call for robust voter education. Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Hale Gabriel Longpet, described the initiative as timely and emphasized the need for collaboration to promote voter education, prevent electoral malpractices, and enhance the overall electoral process.
The call for voter education comes as INEC has announced significant progress in the ongoing nationwide Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, with 4.44 million online registrations and 509,929 physical registrations recorded to date. The CVR exercise is a crucial step in preparing for the 2027 general elections, and voter education is essential to ensure that citizens are well-informed and actively participate in the electoral process.
By promoting voter education, PAACA and INEC aim to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensure the integrity of the electoral process. As the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, the emphasis on voter education underscores the importance of empowering citizens with accurate information to make informed decisions at the polls.
