Daud Olatunji
The National Orientation Agency has unveiled plans to intensify grassroots mobilisation across the South-West ahead of the 2027 general elections, targeting voter apathy, misinformation and other factors that could undermine citizens’ participation in the electoral process.
The agency said it would strengthen engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations and community groups to encourage eligible Nigerians to vote and promote peaceful, credible and inclusive elections.
The Zonal Director of NOA, South-West, Kehinde Martins Ogunkuade, disclosed this during an interview in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday, while outlining the agency’s strategy following the national flag-off of its grassroots mobilisation campaign on October 15, 2026.
Ogunkuade said the campaign was designed to take voter education and civic awareness to communities across the country, stressing that democratic participation should not be limited to election periods.
He explained that NOA’s responsibility was to educate citizens on government policies and programmes, promote civic responsibility and encourage public participation in democratic governance.
According to him, the mobilisation exercise would involve sustained engagement with eligible voters, particularly those who may be discouraged from voting because they believe their votes would not make a difference.
“The essence of the flag-off is for all directorates to go to the grassroots and discuss with the people, mobilising them through every available means,” he said.
Ogunkuade added that the agency would not restrict its activities to formal meetings but would reach residents through traditional institutions, churches, mosques, marketplaces, community gatherings and other places where people assemble.
He said NOA’s presence across communities and its ability to communicate in local languages would help it connect with residents and explain the importance of electoral participation.
The director urged Nigerians aged 18 and above who meet the applicable registration requirements to exercise their voting rights and support candidates of their choice, irrespective of political affiliation.
He said citizens should not allow themselves to be discouraged by claims that their votes do not count, arguing that active participation remained essential to determining who governs them.
Ogunkuade also said the agency intended to build on lessons from the recent governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states, where he said he participated in mobilisation activities.
“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,” he said.
He added that NOA would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including electoral and security authorities, to encourage participation and reassure voters about their safety during elections.
According to him, cooperation among the relevant institutions is necessary to create an environment in which citizens can exercise their democratic rights without fear.
Beyond voter apathy, Ogunkuade identified misinformation, disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence as emerging challenges that could influence public understanding of electoral issues ahead of the 2027 elections.
He said the agency was engaging young people on digital platforms where misleading information circulates, adding that public education was necessary to encourage responsible use of technology and prevent the spread of false claims.
Ogunkuade disclosed that NOA had an artificial intelligence-enabled interactive platform called CLHEEAN, which he said users could access to ask questions and interact with the system.
He stressed that artificial intelligence should be used for constructive purposes rather than to mislead the public, damage reputations or distort facts.
The zonal director urged social media users to verify information before sharing it, warning that the deliberate circulation of false or damaging content could have consequences.
He said the agency would continue to sensitise citizens on the need to distinguish verified information from fabricated reports, particularly during the election period when misleading claims could heighten tension and influence public perceptions.
Ogunkuade maintained that sustained public enlightenment, responsible digital engagement and collaboration with relevant institutions would remain central to NOA’s efforts to promote informed participation in the 2027 general elections.
He reiterated that grassroots mobilisation was a continuous responsibility of the agency and would not end with the conduct of the elections, as civic education remained essential to democratic governance.
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