By Sunday John
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has trained electoral personnel from Nasarawa, Plateau, Benue and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to boost voter confidence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mallam Abubakar Mohammed, Nasarawa Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), disclosed this on Monday in Lafia at a capacity-building programme for electoral personnel.
Mohammed said the participants comprised Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) and Voter Education Desk Officers from the four jurisdictions.
He said the training was aimed at addressing voter apathy, misinformation and concerns over the credibility of the electoral process.
According to him, public confidence can only be earned when electoral officers demonstrate competence, neutrality and professionalism at every stage of the electoral process.
“The training aimed to strengthen the knowledge, skills and professional capacity of the personnel to effectively perform their statutory and operational responsibilities in planning the election.
“Your role is critical to improving voter participation, voter awareness and ultimately public trust in the electoral process,” he said.
Mohammed said the officers would be equipped with the skills required to engage stakeholders and provide accurate electoral information in their respective communities.
He explained that successful elections depended on timely dissemination of accurate information to enable voters to understand electoral procedures before casting their ballots.
He urged the participants to use their positions to deepen voter education and strengthen citizens’ understanding of the electoral process.
Also speaking, Hajiya Safiya Garba, Head of Voter Education, Gender, Publicity and Inclusivity Department, INEC, Nasarawa, said some eligible voters had previously avoided elections because they believed their votes would not count.
Garba urged the participants and other commission staff to become ambassadors of democracy by educating citizens on the importance of electoral participation.
“The participants and, of course, all staff of the commission must now become ambassadors of democracy who can explain to people why participation matters,” she said.
She said the participants, being closer to the grassroots, had a critical role to play in enlightening women, youths, persons with disabilities and rural communities on political participation.
Garba urged them to take voter education to different platforms and communities to counter misinformation and improve public understanding of elections.
“From markets to campuses, from town halls to social media, we must meet voters where they are and give them correct information about elections,” she said.
She expressed optimism that sustained voter education and professional conduct by electoral personnel would contribute to increased participation and confidence in the 2027 elections. (NAN)
Edited by Mercy Neme/Isaac Ukpoju