By Peace Udugba
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is stepping up voter education and stakeholder engagement across Ogun State to combat electoral distrust and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Ogun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mrs. Feyijimi Saseyi Ibiyemi, disclosed this on Thursday during an appearance on FRONTLINE, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu.
Addressing the root causes of voter skepticism, Saseyi identified misinformation, fake news, and communication gaps as major threats to public trust in the electoral process.
”Sometimes electoral distrust is caused by misinformation, and the Commission is tackling that,” Saseyi said. “We are training our voter education department to go out and talk to people. As I am talking to you now, we are engaging the media and the public to ensure people verify information before posting or sharing it.”
She advised citizens with questions regarding electoral procedures to visit INEC state or local government offices for official clarification rather than relying on unverified online sources.
Expanding Engagement Beyond Political Parties
To ensure widespread reach, Saseyi stated that INEC has expanded its outreach beyond political parties to include traditional rulers, market leaders, religious bodies, tertiary institutions, and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs).
She emphasized the crucial role of traditional rulers in promoting peace and deterring youth involvement in electoral violence, vote-buying, and political thuggery.
”We have paid courtesy calls to traditional rulers and other government agencies in the spirit of interagency collaboration,” she noted. “We have implored them, as community fathers, to encourage citizens to vote and to urge our youth not to allow themselves to be used for thuggery or vote-buying.”
She added that the Commission has received strong cooperation from traditional institutions and civil groups across the state.
Targeting Young Voters and Campus Outreach
Highlighting the importance of youth turnout, the REC disclosed that INEC has extended mobilization campaigns to tertiary institutions, alongside holding market roadshows and broadcast media programs.
”We did mobilization in tertiary institutions, and we are running radio and TV programs alongside market and roadshows to reach people across different channels,” she said.
Public Demands Accountability Ahead of 2027
The interactive session highlighted deep-seated public skepticism regarding electoral integrity. A caller from Lagos questioned whether the Commission could deliver an exercise that truly reflects the will of the electorate.
”Nigeria needs a credible, free, and fair election. Can they tell me they can do that?” the caller asked, linking electoral integrity to the broader economic and social challenges facing the country.
In response, Saseyi reassured listeners that INEC remains committed to executing its mandate transparently, stressing that public cooperation and relying on verified information remain key to a successful 2027 election cycle.
