2027: Don’t Be Discouraged, Your Votes Will Count, NOA Tells Nigerians

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to come out in large numbers to vote in the 2027 general elections, insisting that every vote counts and citizens should not allow themselves to be discouraged by voter apathy.

The agency also said it was building on the successes recorded during the recent elections in Ekiti and Osun states to strengthen voter mobilisation and promote peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in 2027.

The Zonal Director of NOA, Southwest Zone, Kehinde Martins Ogunkuade, stated this Monday during an interview in Abeokuta, Ogun State, while outlining the agency’s mobilisation strategies ahead of the next general elections.

Ogunkuade said the experience gained from the Ekiti and Osun elections had provided valuable lessons that would guide the agency’s efforts across the Southwest.

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“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 said.

He added that NOA was intensifying its grassroots engagement and stakeholder collaboration to achieve even better results in the forthcoming elections.

“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,” Ogunkuade said.

He explained that the agency would continue to engage citizens on the importance of voting while working with security agencies to reassure voters about their safety during elections.

According to him, NOA’s mobilisation campaign was officially flagged off on October 15, marking the commencement of activities across its directorates and states to encourage greater public participation in the 2027 general elections.

He said the campaign would involve traditional rulers, religious leaders, political parties, security agencies, civil society groups and other stakeholders 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,” he said.

Ogunkuade urged eligible Nigerians, irrespective of their political affiliations, to participate actively in the democratic process by voting for candidates of their choice.

“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 said.

“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.”

He dismissed the notion that individual votes do not make a difference, urging Nigerians not to allow themselves to be discouraged from participating 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 asked.

“Your vote is important, so come out and vote for the candidate of your choice.”