Minister of Information and National Orientation [Mohammed Idris](https://information.gov.ng) has urged every eligible Nigerian to reject voter apathy, the purchase of votes and any form of electoral violence as the nation readies itself for the 2027 general election, stressing that active participation is vital for a credible democratic outcome.
He announced the appeal in a statement released on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, following the launch of the National Orientation Agency’s (NOA) country‑wide grassroots mobilisation programme. The campaign, titled “Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Future: Say No to Apathy, Vote Buying and Violence. Let’s Build a United Nigeria in 2027,” is designed to foster responsible voting behaviour and peaceful elections across all regions.
“An election is more than a day at the polling unit. It is an opportunity for citizens to decide who represents them and to influence the direction of their communities and country. When eligible voters stay away, sell their votes or resort to violence, the entire democratic process suffers,” Idris said.
He affirmed that the Federal Government, under [President Bola Tinubu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bola_Tinubu)’s Renewed Hope Agenda, remains committed to bolstering the democratic framework and restoring public confidence in the electoral system. Tinubu recently signed the Electoral Act 2026 into law, introducing reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability in elections.
Idris praised the Director‑General of the [National Orientation Agency](https://noa.gov.ng), Lanre Issa‑Onilu, and the agency’s staff for initiating the drive, urging them to maintain public engagement nationwide. He noted that the programme’s success will hinge on cooperation among government bodies, electoral authorities, security agencies, community leaders and ordinary citizens.
**How will the NOA reach voters?**
Issa‑Onilu explained that NOA will deploy its state directorates across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to mobilise citizens at the grassroots level. The outreach will utilise local languages, radio broadcasts, community dialogues, drama performances and digital platforms to combat voter apathy, discourage vote‑buying and prevent electoral violence.
**What does INEC promise for 2027?**
The Chairman of the [Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)](https://inecnigeria.org), Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, reiterated the commission’s dedication to delivering a free, fair, transparent, inclusive and credible 2027 General Election. He called on Nigerians to collaborate with electoral stakeholders, emphasizing that early preparation, strong stakeholder collaboration and active citizen participation are essential for a peaceful poll.
“INEC is committed to conducting a free, fair, transparent, inclusive and credible 2027 General Election. Achieving this requires early preparation, strong collaboration among stakeholders and the active participation of Nigerians,” Amupitan said.