NOA DG identifies fear of rigging as cause of voters’ low turn out

Samuel Luka, Bauchi

The Director General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Garba Abari has explained that the fear of election rigging amongst the electorates contributes to apathy and low turn-out of voters in most elections in Nigeria. The Director General made this known during the opening ceremony of a two-day zonal workshop for citizen groups drawn from the North East region on civic and voter education ahead of February and March elections held at Zaranda Hotel on Monday. Mr David Akoji who represented the DG, noted that elections in Nigeria are characterised by large number of invalid votes as well as the disturbing trend of vote buying, hence the need for continuous voter education to the citizens across the country. According to him, “it is often the case that majority of voters, most of whom reside in rural areas are not exposed to adequate voter education so as to equip them with the knowledge to exercise their civic rights by voting correctly at elections”. “Many of our electorates express frustration and fear that their votes will not count. This no doubt contributes largely to low voter turnout at most elections”. He added. “It is in recognition of these challenges and the need to commence the process of capacity building for citizens groups in the 36 states of the federation as well as the federal capital territory towards getting them to actively participate in the process of sensitizing citizens in their communities of operation, that the National Orientation Agency undertook the task of mapping of citizens groups in the 36 states and the FCT as a critical step towards nominating participants for the capacity building workshop on civic responsibility which is happening today”. He further informed. While declaring the workshop opened, the District Head of Bauchi, Alhaji Nuru Adamu Jumba said without proper sensitization to citizens on the electoral process especially on how to handle ballot papers on Election Day, there would be more invalid votes and cancellations of results which might affect the success of the 2019 elections. Alhaji Jumba who represented the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Sulaimanu Adamu however, commended NOA for organising the workshop and cautioned security agencies against interference in the electoral process as according to him, their duty is to only provide security for both the electorates and INEC officials before, during and after elections.