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From Femi Folaranmi, Yenagoa
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, the Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) has urged Nigerians to participate in the ongoing voters’ registration to vote in the 2027 elections.
The President of NPSA, Prof Hassan Saliu, in a statement on behalf of the association, while decrying the low voter turnout witnessed in the 2023 elections, stated that “the disappointing figure for the participatory level in Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election underscores the need for increased civic participation.”
NPSA, which acknowledged citizens’ frustration with the political class’s self-interest schemes, however, expressed optimism that the participation of a large number of Nigerians in the electoral process can make a difference.
“The Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA) recognises that citizens’ disillusionment with politicians’ self-interest and unfulfilled promises contributes to their withdrawal from the electoral process. However, democracy is a collective endeavour that benefits not only the current generation but also future ones. The active participation of citizens can shape the future through forward-thinking policies and programmes.”
NPSA, while also conceding that the current political landscape may not meet expectations for rapid development, stressed that abandoning the democratic process may not be the solution.
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According to it, rather, sustained engagement and participation are essential for achieving meaningful outcomes.
“Democracy is a continuous process that holds the potential for change, requiring collective effort and commitment to yield tangible results.
“We therefore call on Nigerians to embrace the programme as the first leg in participatory democracy. The role of citizens is crucial, as the possession of voter cards would ultimately qualify them to vote during elections. In the long run, they will transform into an electorate with more stakes in the electoral process than just being voters,” he added.
NPSA explained that participation in the voters’ registration process would lead to increased representation, accountability, improved policy-making, enhanced legitimacy, and promote civic engagement.
“These benefits can contribute to a healthier and more robust democracy that meets the expectations of most Nigerians, who are increasingly concerned by the country’s low-arching nature of democracy, which refers to the limited influence citizens have on government decisions, and its attendant consequences, including widespread disempowerment of citizens,” NPSA stated.
