Mr Cliff Stanley, a public affairs analyst based in Gombe, has described low voter turnout as dangerous to Nigeria’s democratic development.
He raised the concern in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Wednesday.
He warned that persistent voter apathy could weaken political accountability and allow a small section of voters to determine political leadership.
Stanley noted that young people constitute a significant proportion of Nigeria’s population, yet many remain disengaged from the electoral process.
Citing International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance records, he said only 26.72 per cent of registered voters participated in the 2023 elections.
“Low voter turnout is not merely an electoral statistic; it is a democratic warning signal,” Stanley said.
He said widespread abstention meant political mandates increasingly depended on a relatively small segment of the electorate.
“Nigeria’s 2023 election showed that Nigeria is among countries with exceptionally low electoral participation,” he said.
Stanley said democracy derived its legitimacy not only from elections but also from meaningful citizen participation.
“The implication is profound,” he said, warning that persistent voter apathy could weaken political accountability.
He said apathy could encourage politicians to mobilise narrow interest groups instead of appealing to the broader electorate.
“It can create a dangerous disconnect between citizens and institutions,” Stanley added.
Stanley urged young Nigerians to participate actively in elections, describing abstention as politically self-defeating for the younger generation.
He said failure by young people to vote would allow other demographic groups to determine leadership and policies affecting their future.
“If young Nigerians are dissatisfied with governance, they must move from complaining about power to participating in its acquisition and control,” he said.
Stanley said raising awareness about poor governance through social media was important but insufficient without electoral participation.
He urged youths to participate in selecting and supporting leaders capable of delivering effective governance.
The political scientist advised young Nigerians to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards where necessary and verify their electoral information.
He also urged them to study candidates’ records and manifestos before voting for their preferred candidates.
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Stanley advised youths to reject ethnic and religious manipulation and resist vote-buying.
He urged voters to base their choices on competence, character, accountability and policy rather than identity or financial inducements.
Stanley also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process.
He urged the commission to prioritise transparent electoral administration, reliable technology, effective voter education and timely communication.
“I advise that political parties must become genuine platforms for political participation rather than structures activated primarily during election seasons,” he said.
Stanley also urged security personnel to remain politically neutral during the forthcoming elections.
He said security agencies must protect voters, electoral officials, journalists, observers and election materials while maintaining strict professional conduct.
“Security personnel should be politically neutral in the forthcoming elections,” Stanley said.
He urged security agencies to avoid intimidating citizens and instead ensure adequate protection for voters exercising their constitutional rights.
Stanley further called for firm measures against individuals seeking to cause violence or disrupt elections.
He said effective security arrangements would help discourage electoral violence and give citizens greater confidence to participate in the democratic process.
(NAN)
