The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has called on Nigerians to ensure that at least 50 per cent of the country’s registered voters participate in the 2027 general election, warning that turnout substantially below that level would raise serious questions about the democratic credibility and legitimacy of the process.
The call follows the latest disclosure by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that Nigeria’s national voter register now contains 103,428,715 registered voters ahead of the 2027 elections.
According to PeacePro’s Executive Director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, a 50 per cent turnout would mean more than 51.7 million Nigerians actually casting their ballots.
“At least 50 per cent of Nigeria’s registered voters should vote in 2027. Anything significantly below 50 per cent should concern every Nigerian who believes in democracy.”
PeacePro noted that presidential election turnout has fallen sharply over successive elections from 53.7 per cent in 2011 to 43.6 per cent in 2015, 34.7 per cent in 2019 and 26.7 per cent in 2023, according to INEC.
“We cannot continue moving backwards. Democracy cannot become a system in which a small minority chooses governments while the overwhelming majority stays away.”
PeacePro said Nigeria’s recent turnout also compares with significantly higher participation recorded in several other democracies. Ghana recorded about 60.9 per cent in its 2024 presidential election, South Africa 58.57 per cent in its 2024 national election, the United Kingdom 60 per cent in its 2024 parliamentary election, the United States about 64 per cent in its 2024 presidential election, and Kenya 64.8 per cent in its 2022 general election.
“Nigeria cannot accept 20-something per cent turnout as normal. If more than 103 million people are registered to vote, Nigerians should demonstrate that democracy is not merely about registering; it is about participating.”
PeacePro called on INEC, political parties, civil society organisations, the media and political candidates to address factors contributing to voter apathy, including distrust in political institutions, insecurity, logistical barriers, inadequate electoral communication and the perception that voting does not produce meaningful change.
The organisation also urged political parties to mobilise citizens around issues and policy choices rather than relying primarily on personality driven campaigns.
“The objective should not simply be to win an election. The objective should be to produce an election in which Nigerians genuinely participate and subsequently accept the outcome as a reflection of their collective choice.”
The future of Nigerian democracy cannot be outsourced to the minority that turns up on election day.”