The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has urged Nigerians to reject voter apathy, vote buying and electoral violence ahead of the 2027 general election.
Idris made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the launch of the Nationwide Grassroots Mobilisation Campaign organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), themed “Your Vote, Your Voice, Our Future: Say No to Apathy, Vote Buying and Violence. Let’s Build a United Nigeria in 2027.”
He urged eligible voters, particularly youths and first-time voters, to participate actively and peacefully in the electoral process, stressing that responsible voting was essential to strengthening democracy and promoting accountable leadership.
The minister warned that staying away from elections, selling votes or engaging in violence could undermine electoral credibility and public confidence. He also encouraged Nigerians to familiarise themselves with the electoral laws and procedures ahead of the polls.
Idris commended the NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, for initiating the campaign, noting that sustained public enlightenment and cooperation among stakeholders were necessary to promote peaceful and credible elections.
Also speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to providing a safe environment for the 2027 elections.
Represented by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, Disu said the police would strengthen intelligence sharing and collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other security agencies to prevent electoral violence.
He warned political parties, candidates and their supporters against intimidation, vote buying, ballot snatching and the destruction of electoral materials. He also cautioned youths against allowing themselves to be used by politicians to perpetrate violence.
Disu assured Nigerians that the police would remain professional and impartial, adding that those who violated electoral laws would be brought to justice.
He urged all stakeholders to work towards peaceful and credible elections, declaring: “Let us collectively ensure that in 2027, the ballot defeats the bullet, ideas defeat intimidation, and democracy defeats violence.”
