Public Presentation of Research Report on Addressing Voter Apathy in Nigeria

For Abraham Lincoln, democracy is defined as the government of the people, by the people, and for the people. However, Nigeria’s 26 years of uninterrupted democracy is gradually losing its essence of inclusivity, representation, and accountability—key components of a true democracy. This decline is evidenced by the increasing disengagement of Nigerians from participating in elections, which has prompted research on “Addressing Voter Apathy in Nigeria.”

Research indicates that 1999 marked the peak of electoral participation in Nigeria. Since then, voter participation has consistently declined, despite a growing population projected to exceed 200 million by 2025. This reduction in participation may explain why many Nigerians feel that elected officials do not represent their interests.

To address this pressing issue, a research report on “Addressing Voter Apathy in Nigeria,” commissioned by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, was publicly discussed. The study identifies electoral violence, distrust in the electoral process, and voter suppression as some of the key drivers of voter apathy in Nigeria. It highlights that declining voter turnout undermines legitimacy, reduces electoral competitiveness, weakens democratic accountability, limits diversity and vibrancy in political engagement, increases gender bias, and discourages new entrants into politics.

The public presentation event was attended by over 70 individuals from various walks of life, all united by a common interest in Nigeria’s democracy. Notable participants included Lennart Oestergaard, the Resident Representative of the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) in Nigeria, who opened the session. The lead researcher, Professor Freedom Onuoha from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, presented a summary on behalf of the research team, explaining the methodology that included questionnaires, key informant interviews, and documentary sources.

In conclusion, recommendations to stakeholders include promoting gender-sensitive strategies leading up to elections, improving election technology, updating and cleaning the voter register, developing strategies to overcome environmental and security challenges, and restructuring electoral institutions. All these measures are essential to restoring public confidence in Nigeria's electoral process.