The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Yobe, Nigeria, has called for a stronger partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to boost citizen mobilisation and participation in the 2027 general elections. Alhaji Abubakar Ma'aji, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Yobe, made the request during a courtesy visit to the NOA Yobe Directorate in Damaturu on Thursday. Ma'aji was accompanied by senior management staff of the commission.
The visit aimed to strengthen the existing partnership between INEC and NOA, with a focus on developing effective mobilisation strategies targeting citizens across different age groups and genders ahead of the elections. Ma'aji described NOA as a strategic partner in promoting civic and voter education, as well as supporting the smooth conduct of elections. He emphasised the importance of collaboration in enhancing citizens' participation in the electoral process.
The State Director of NOA, Hajiya Zuwaira Ali, welcomed Ma'aji and his team, saying the visit provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration between the two organisations. Ali identified areas of possible collaboration, including civic and voter education, public enlightenment on electoral guidelines, and countering election-related misinformation and disinformation. She also mentioned community engagement and joint sensitisation programmes as potential areas of cooperation.
Ali stated that the proposed activities would be extended across the 17 Local Government Areas of Yobe State to ensure wider citizen engagement ahead of the 2027 elections. She reaffirmed NOA's commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at promoting informed citizen participation, peaceful elections, and responsible civic engagement. The NOA director emphasised the agency's role in promoting civic education and voter mobilisation.
The collaboration between INEC and NOA is expected to enhance citizens' understanding of the electoral process and promote peaceful participation in the 2027 general elections. The partnership would also help to address election-related issues, such as misinformation and disinformation, which can undermine the credibility of the electoral process. By working together, INEC and NOA aim to ensure a successful and peaceful electoral exercise.
INEC has been taking steps to ensure a successful 2027 general election, including conducting by-elections in some states and restoring suppressed constituencies. The commission has also been engaging with various stakeholders, including civil society organisations and traditional leaders, to promote voter education and mobilisation. The collaboration with NOA is part of INEC's efforts to strengthen its partnerships with relevant agencies and organisations.
The 2027 general elections are expected to be a significant event in Nigeria's democratic process. The elections will provide citizens with the opportunity to elect their leaders and hold them accountable for their actions. The collaboration between INEC and NOA is crucial in ensuring that citizens are well-informed and engaged in the electoral process, which is essential for a successful and peaceful election.
Key points
- INEC seeks stronger collaboration with NOA to enhance citizens' mobilisation and participation in the 2027 general elections.
- The partnership aims to develop effective mobilisation strategies targeting citizens across different age groups and genders.
- The collaboration will focus on civic and voter education, public enlightenment on electoral guidelines, and countering election-related misinformation and disinformation.
