INEC Calls on Civic Leaders to Boost Voter Participation in Lagos
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Lagos State, Prof. Ayobami Salami, has urged civic, religious, and community leaders to actively encourage citizens to register and vote, emphasizing that participation in elections is a key responsibility of every Nigerian.
Salami made the call during a civic literacy town-hall workshop organized by Yiaga Africa in partnership with Springwell Development Initiative and the National Endowment for Democracy (NED). The event, themed “Youth Power, Our Voice: Enhancing Civic Literacy and Voter Participation in Lagos State”, highlighted the critical role of community leaders in promoting peaceful electoral participation.
He stressed that leaders across sectors—religious institutions, civil society, and professional organizations—should use their influence to encourage voter registration and civic engagement. Salami also warned against apathy, noting that refusing to register or vote does not solve national challenges.
The workshop revealed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has expanded the second phase of the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise to special locations, including accommodations for persons living with disabilities, to make registration more accessible.
Michael Ogunsola, Lagos State focal person for Yiaga Africa, encouraged young Nigerians to register for their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and ensure their votes are counted, emphasizing that continuous civic engagement helps safeguard democracy.
Feyikemi Omoniyi, Founder and Executive Director of Springwell Development Initiative, highlighted that voter apathy remains a major challenge, often fueled by fears of election rigging. She urged youths to prioritize competence and credibility when choosing candidates.
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) representative, Yahaya Musa Agboola, added that ongoing civic education initiatives aim to inform citizens of their rights and responsibilities ahead of the next general elections, ensuring voter engagement is sustained beyond election periods.
The workshop concluded with a call for greater transparency, accountability, and grassroots mobilization to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and encourage active participation across Lagos State.
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