The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has cautioned residents of Ebonyi State against electoral violence, vote buying, voter apathy and election manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The agency called on eligible voters, traditional rulers, religious leaders, political stakeholders and civil society organisations to support efforts towards peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
The Acting State Director of NOA in Ebonyi, Mrs Chinyere Nnenna Okogwu, issued the warning during a town hall meeting on grassroots voter mobilisation held under the theme, “Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Future: Say No to Apathy, Vote Buying and Violence — Let’s Build a United Nigeria in 2027.”
The meeting focused on encouraging citizens to participate actively in the electoral process while rejecting practices capable of undermining democracy.
As part of its grassroots sensitisation campaign, the NOA delegation also visited the Chairman of the Ebonyi State Traditional Rulers Council and traditional ruler of Ezzama Kingdom, Ezeogo Charles Nkpuma, to seek the support of traditional institutions in mobilising voters.
Okogwu maintained that citizens’ participation remained essential to a functioning democracy, noting that elections offered people an opportunity to influence decisions affecting their communities and the country.
She identified voter apathy as a major concern ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly among young people who have become increasingly discouraged by the political process.
According to her, some eligible voters believe their votes cannot make a difference, while others have lost confidence in elections as a means of achieving meaningful political change.
She, however, warned that staying away from elections would deprive citizens of their right to influence governance.
The NOA director urged residents not to allow political disagreements, frustration, intimidation or disappointment to prevent them from exercising their constitutional voting rights.
She also encouraged voters to mobilise their relatives, friends, neighbours and colleagues to participate in the forthcoming elections.
The agency also expressed concern over vote buying, describing the exchange of votes for money, gifts or other material benefits as a practice that undermines electoral integrity.
Okogwu urged residents to reject inducements and make independent political choices based on their convictions.
She further called on political actors and their supporters to avoid actions capable of triggering violence before, during and after the elections.
Addressing traditional and religious leaders, she urged them to use their influence within their communities to promote peaceful coexistence, responsible citizenship and political tolerance.
She noted that traditional palaces, churches, mosques and other community platforms could serve as important channels for voter education and the promotion of national unity.
The NOA director also emphasised the need for greater participation of women and persons with disabilities in the electoral process.
She called for increased recognition of women’s contributions to political decision-making, party structures and leadership positions.
She equally urged relevant stakeholders to ensure that persons with disabilities have access to voter education and the necessary facilities to participate in elections without discrimination.
Okogwu called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to sustain public enlightenment campaigns, ensure transparency and communicate electoral procedures promptly to strengthen public confidence.
Political parties and candidates were also advised to conduct peaceful campaigns, comply with electoral laws and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or other anti-democratic activities.
She further appealed to civil society organisations and development partners to strengthen collaboration with NOA on voter education and democratic accountability.
The media, she added, had an important responsibility to provide accurate information and support efforts to protect democratic values.
As part of efforts to deepen voter awareness, Okogwu disclosed that the agency had directed its officers across Ebonyi State’s 13 local government areas and development centres to extend voter education activities to rural communities.
The Zonal Director of NOA, Mrs Theresa Maduekwe, also called on stakeholders to support peaceful elections, condemning vote buying, electoral violence and manipulation.
She urged eligible voters to maintain order and freely choose their preferred candidates at the polls.
Responding to the agency’s appeal, the traditional ruler of Ezzama Kingdom, Ezeogo Charles Nkpuma, pledged the support of the traditional institution.
He assured NOA that he would take the sensitisation message to villages within his domain and educate residents on the importance of participating in elections without fear.
Other stakeholders at the meeting also pledged to encourage peaceful participation and mobilise residents to exercise their voting rights in 2027.
With the 2027 general elections approaching, the NOA campaign places renewed attention on the role of voter education, citizen participation and stakeholder cooperation in promoting credible elections in Ebonyi State.
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