By Samuel Edu

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Poor voter education, lack of faith in the nation’s electoral process, unpopular candidates of some political parties and high level of illiteracy, have been identified as reasons for apathy and low voters turnout in the recently concluded 2023 general elections.

Scholars and experts in the fields of Political Science, Statistics and Demographics Studies declared this in separate interviews with The Hope.

Findings showed that  about 30 percent of the entire 87 million registered voters voted in the 2023 elections.

Some stakeholders as a result, were questioning the validity of the number of registered voters in the country if only 30 per cent actually voted.

Those who spoke with The Hope included; Professor Olugbemiga Afolabi, Dr Damilola Agbalajobi, both from the Department of Political Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

Others are; Dr Olusoga Fasoranbaku, Dr Ezra Gayawan, Dr Bello Abimbola and Dr Olabimpe Aladeniyi all from the Department Of Statistics, Federal University of Technology, Akure.

Professor Olugbemiga Afolabi, said even though the elite registered and have PVCs, most of them did not vote, “because they see themselves as lords and comfortable.  Most of them also do not believe that their votes would count.”

Dr Damilola Agbalajobi said there was mass apathy because people who have the basic necessities of life were afraid of possible outbreak of violence and see protection of their lives as paramount. That is why you see more of area boys voting because of the peanuts they will be given on the election days. All they want is the immediate gain without considering the consequences.”

Dr Olusoga Fasoranbaku said “in Nigeria, we are used to figures while we are not always conscious of the process through which we get the figures.

“The fact remains that the trust is no longer there when it comes to any agency of the government and this is why it might be difficult to validate INEC’s data.”

Dr Ezra Gayawan was of the opinion that “INEC’s record cannot be invalidated or said to be incorrect.  In fact, I have no reason to doubt the figures.

“Though, there may be few instances of double registration prior to the day of election and perhaps after registering, most people do not see the need to go through the stress of collecting their PVCs.

“Also, the case of the low turnout in the 2023 elections was more of  voter’s apathy. The people doubted if their votes would count and even if it does, politicians have not lived up to expectations after assuming office, so they may not feel it’s worth their efforts to stand in the sun casting their votes

“If you also take a look at previous elections, you will discover that young people did not participate in the elections except of recent when they were caught by the tsunami of Peter Obi.”

Dr Bello Abimbola said low voters’ turnout was due to poor voter education, particularly the masses. “Nigeria’s registered voters’ population was not inflated, rather, we are set of individuals with poor orientation.

“One will wonder what is the duty of the National Orientation Agency. The reason why NOA was created in the first place is to enlighten the masses on their civic duties and responsibilities.

“I personally do not believe that INEC’s data of 87million registered voters is incorrect, the low turnout was as a result of lack of orientation.

“The government and all agencies concerned should wake up to their responsibilities. They should let the masses see reasons why they should exercise their franchise and be involved in deciding those who take up the mantle of leadership in the political sphere.

“I think the government still have more to do in the aspect of public enlightenment, not just mere political campaigns as usually seen months and weeks preceding elections.

“If this is done, I believe we will record higher turnout in subsequent elections.”

Dr Olabimpe Aladeniyi said “though Nigeria is one of the most populated countries in Africa, but I will not say turnout of voters invalidates INEC’s claim that about 87million PVCs were issued, he added.”