The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has issued a fervent call to all Nigerians, urging them to participate enthusiastically in the upcoming 2027 general elections. The agency underscored that every single vote holds significance and implored citizens not to succumb to voter apathy, which could undermine the democratic process.
Building on the successes achieved during the recent elections held in Ekiti and Osun states, the NOA is now intensifying its efforts. These strategies aim to bolster voter mobilisation and foster peaceful, credible, and inclusive elections in 2027.
Kehinde Martins Ogunkuade, the Zonal Director of NOA for the Southwest Zone, articulated these mobilisation strategies during an interview conducted on Monday in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Ogunkuade emphasised that the invaluable experience garnered from the Ekiti and Osun elections would serve as a crucial guide for the agency's initiatives across the entire Southwest region.
“I was part of the team that worked in Ekiti and Osun states, and, by the grace of God, we witnessed improvements in voter participation. This reflects, in part, the work carried out by the agency. We mobilised citizens and encouraged them to come out and exercise their civic responsibilities,” he explained.
He further added that the NOA is actively intensifying its grassroots engagement efforts and enhancing collaboration with various stakeholders to achieve even more favourable results in the forthcoming elections. Ogunkuade noted, “Building on the experience in Ekiti and Osun states, we are confident that similar efforts can produce positive results across other states in our zone. When people feel secure, they are more likely to participate.”
The agency, he clarified, will continue its efforts to educate citizens on the critical importance of casting their votes. Concurrently, it will work closely with security agencies to reassure voters about their safety throughout the electoral period.
Campaign Launch and Stakeholder Collaboration
The NOA’s mobilisation campaign officially commenced on 15th October, marking the initiation of widespread activities across its directorates and states. This campaign is designed to encourage greater public participation in the 2027 general elections.
The campaign will engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, political parties, security agencies, civil society groups, and other key actors involved in the electoral process. “The essence of the flag-off is to ensure that all directorates engage citizens at the grassroots and mobilise them through every available means. Mobilisation is not new to NOA; it is part of our core responsibilities,” Ogunkuade reiterated.
Ogunkuade implored all eligible Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations, to take an active role in the democratic process by casting their votes for candidates of their choosing. He emphasised that democracy is a collective endeavour that requires everyone’s contribution.
“My sincere message is that democracy belongs to all of us. As Nigerians, we must participate actively in the democratic process and do everything possible to ensure that it works for the benefit of everyone,” he stated. “Regardless of political party affiliation, I urge Nigerians to come out in large numbers and vote for candidates of their choice. This is how we determine who governs us and demonstrate our confidence in the electoral process.”
Every Vote Counts
Dismissing the common misconception that individual votes do not make a difference, Ogunkuade strongly advised Nigerians against allowing such notions to deter their participation in elections. “As I said earlier, citizens should believe that their votes count. Do not allow anyone to deceive you into thinking that your vote does not matter. If votes did not matter, why would politicians seek your support and ask you to collect your Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs)?” he posed, concluding with a direct appeal: “Your vote is important, so come out and vote for the candidate of your choice.”