PAACA Urges Stronger Voter Education on Electoral Reforms Ahead of 2027 Elections
PAACA Urges Stronger Voter Education on Electoral Reforms Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) has urged key electoral stakeholders to step up efforts in educating citizens about the reforms introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a citizens’ town hall meeting on electoral reform in Owerri, the Imo State capital, PAACA Executive Director Ezenwa Nwagwu identified a lack of voter awareness as a major obstacle to conducting credible elections in Nigeria.
He warned that lack of knowledge about electoral laws and processes leaves voters vulnerable to manipulation by political actors.
“We must stop treating civic knowledge as optional. People can’t defend their votes if they don’t understand the rules or how results are transmitted,” Nwagwu said
“Technology alone won’t save our democracy — we need informed participation.”
He said key innovations such as the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IREV) portal are designed to enhance transparency and reduce rigging
Nwagwu also criticised political parties for deploying untrained polling agents who abandon their duties mid-election and later blame INEC for irregularities.
Oparaugo Chimezirim, Imo state director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to continuous voter education and civic engagement as essential for Nigeria’s democratic growth.
Security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the Nigeria Police Force, also echoed the call for greater collaboration and reforms aimed at improving electoral integrity and minimizing violence.
