2027 Elections : PAACA Sensitizes Osun Residents On New Electoral Act

Studies have showed that public understanding and level of awareness about electoral reform is low among Nigerians.

The Executive Director, Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), Ezenwa Nwagwu, disclosed this during a citizen’s town hall meeting in electoral reform in Osogbo, Osun State, on Thursday.

In his address before the commencement of the meeting, Nwagwu who sought to know the number of people who have the copy of electoral act or INEC guidelines among the 40 participants, noted that the number has not been up to 20 percent in the eleven states that the meeting had been taken to.

He explained that the meeting was organised to raise awareness and prepare the stakeholders for the 2027 elections so as to avoid a repeat of the usual uproar every time.

Noting that the National Orientation Agency and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have been left alone with the responsibility of creating the awareness, Nwagwu challenged other institutions to rise up to the challenges and liberate the people from unknown.

He said, “the level of awareness is abysmally low. With our findings in the eleven state we have taken the town hall meetings to, it has been discovered that people are not aware of the electoral reform. People did not have the electoral act, not even the INEC guidelines (whether in print or in soft copy).

“If you have engaged the perceived most enlightened section of the society and the result you get is below average, you can say authoritatively that the awareness is low.

“That is why we are challenging institutions that have responsibility to stop flimsy excuses. That is why this town hall meeting is important to get more people acquainted with the electoral reform and election in Nigeria.

“Attitudinal reform is another important purpose of organising the meeting. What we had in 2023 is the issue of upload of result that stakeholders already have. It was a mischief played out because a lot of people have no idea about what is contained in the electoral act.

“So, beyond the legislative reform, there is also need for attitudinal reform, so that by 2027, different stakeholders will be armed and equipped, to engage the election form the point of knowledge and deep understanding,” Nwagwu said.

Speaking, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, the Hon Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Osun State commended the NGO for organizing the town hall meeting, saying “the gathering represents a significant step towards the continuous improvement of our electoral process, ensuring that our democratic practices evolve to meet the aspirations of the Nigerian people.

According to Agboke, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is committed to conducting free, fair, and credible elections, a responsibility that we take very seriously.

He further said said that the 2023 General Elections were a testament to the collective efforts of INEC and various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, security agencies, political parties, and, most importantly, the Nigerian electorate.

“These elections provided invaluable insights into our strengths and areas where we need further enhancement.
Understanding the Role of INEC and Stakeholders in the Electoral Process:
INEC plays a pivotal role in overseeing the conduct of elections, ensuring that the processes are transparent, inclusive, and reflect the will of the people.

“However, the success of any election is not solely dependent on INEC. It is a collaborative effort that involves:
Security Agencies: Ensuring a safe environment for voters to exercise their franchise without fear of intimidation or violence.

“Civil Society Organizations (CSOs): Providing voter education, monitoring electoral processes, and advocating for electoral integrity.

“Political Parties: Engaging in peaceful and issue-based campaigns, and respecting the rules and regulations governing elections.

“The Electorate: Participating actively and responsibly in the electoral process by voting and ensuring their votes count.

Insights from the 2023 Elections:
The 2023 elections were characterized by significant achievements, including the successful implementation of technological innovations like the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV). These innovations enhanced transparency and increased public confidence in the electoral process.

“In conclusion, this town hall meeting provides an excellent platform for us to reflect on our experiences, share valuable insights, and develop strategies for continuous improvement. Together, we can build a more robust electoral system that truly reflects the democratic values of our nation.

“I commend PAACA for organizing this event and thank all participants for their dedication to advancing electoral reforms in Nigeria. Let us continue to work together towards a brighter and more democratic future for our beloved country”.

Present at the event are the State Director of National Orientation Agency, Mrs Bola Morgan, representatives of Religious leaders, students, non governmental organizations , among others.