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Democracy in Danger: Experts Warn Nigeria’s Voter Apathy Crisis Could Derail 2027 Elections”
Experts and civic stakeholders on Friday voiced serious concerns over Nigeria’s growing voter apathy, warning that declining participation in elections could undermine the country’s democratic stability.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
As the 2027 general elections draw near, participants at a public dialogue held in Abuja — titled “Addressing Voter Apathy in Nigeria” — called for urgent electoral reforms, intensified civic education, and deliberate efforts to rebuild citizens’ trust in the democratic process.
The forum, organised by the German NGO Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, also featured findings from recent research into voter disengagement in the country.
“A democracy cannot thrive if its citizens are not committed democrats,” said Lennart Oestergaard, Representative of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Nigeria. “You can have elections, constitutions, and institutions, but without active public participation, it all means very little. Voting alone is not enough to sustain democracy.”
Oestergaard stressed that genuine democratic governance requires citizens to believe in the value of their votes and engage consistently in political life. “We’ve seen in other countries that simply casting ballots doesn’t make a system democratic. A democracy needs democrats — people who trust the process and actively participate.”
Speaking at the event, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), warned that voter apathy poses broader threats to national peace and cohesion. Represented by Ayuba Caleb, Head of the Directorate of Democracy and Development Studies, Ochogwu said, “It signals a deepening sense of disillusionment, alienation, and erosion of public trust.”
He cited President Bola Tinubu’s foreign policy vision — focused on democracy, development, demography, and diaspora — as an example of Nigeria’s official commitment to democratic ideals, both domestically and across the continent.
Also speaking, Benedict Chukwuma, Assistant Clerk of the House Committee on Women Affairs and Social Development, described voter apathy as a growing national crisis, particularly among young Nigerians and marginalized communities.
“This discussion is crucial as we approach the 2027 elections,” Chukwuma said. “Voting is more than a civic right — it is a shared responsibility and a vital tool for influencing decisions and shaping the direction of our nation.”
Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has appealed to his supporters to remain calm following the omission of his name from the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) final list of candidates for the 2027 Gombe State governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Pantami, who defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in May, was absent from the list published by INEC on Saturday.
In a statement shared on his social media platforms, the former minister’s camp described the development as a temporary electoral setback, assuring supporters that efforts were being made to resolve the issue.
The statement, signed by Professor Suleiman Mohammed Gombe, acknowledged the concerns raised by PDP members and supporters of the Pantamiyya Movement both within and outside Gombe State.
According to the statement, Pantami’s legal and liaison teams are engaging relevant PDP organs and INEC to secure compliance with a court order and address the omission within the period allowed by law.
The camp urged supporters to remain optimistic, stressing that the publication of the final list did not bring the matter to a conclusion.
“We are aware of the people working behind the scenes to frustrate good and responsible leadership in Gombe State,” the statement said.
Expressing confidence that the issue would be resolved, the camp encouraged supporters to sustain their mobilisation efforts and remain committed to the movement’s goal of serving humanity.
It also reaffirmed the unity between the PDP and the Pantamiyya Movement, stating that both remained committed to advancing the political aspirations of their supporters in Gombe State.
“No distraction will derail our course, in sha Allah,” the statement added.
The Nigeria Police Force has rescued 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members who were abducted along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway in Imo State.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The corps members were rescued on October 7, 2026, at Amakohia Ubi in the Owerri West Local Government Area of the state following a coordinated operation involving the police and other security agencies.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday.
Iniedu said the rescued victims had been taken for medical assessment and were receiving the necessary care.
The statement read:
“The Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with sister security agencies, rescued the 20 prospective NYSC corps members abducted in Imo State on 1st October 2026.
“The victims were rescued on 7th October 2026 at Amakohia Ubi Village, Imo State, following sustained search-and-rescue operations. They have since been taken for medical assessment and necessary care.”
The prospective corps members were reportedly travelling to their orientation camp when gunmen attacked their convoy along the Owerri-Onitsha route.
The police said efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
According to the statement, security agencies would continue coordinated operations until all those involved were brought to justice.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction, as the Police and other security agencies sustain coordinated operations towards bringing all culpable persons to justice,” the statement added.
The Force thanked members of the public for their cooperation and support, while assuring Nigerians of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property.
“The Nigeria Police Force appreciates members of the public for their cooperation and support and remains committed to the protection of lives and property, prompt response to security threats and continued collaboration with sister security agencies,” the statement said.
Kenya Airways has confirmed the death of a passenger aboard one of its flights from Nairobi, Kenya, to Lagos on Tuesday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
News reports that the airline disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that the passenger became unresponsive about 20 minutes before the aircraft arrived at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The airline expressed condolences to the deceased’s family and friends while apologising for any inconvenience the incident may have caused.
Kenya Airways also said it was providing the necessary support in coordination with the deceased’s family, relevant local authorities and aviation regulators.
The statement read, “Our crew administered first aid as per their training and followed all emergency procedures.
“Upon landing at Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 21:41 hrs, the aircraft was met by medical personnel, and upon further examination, the medical personnel confirmed that the passenger had passed away.
“We uphold and respect the privacy and dignity for all involved.”
Pastor Dies After Collapsing While Preaching at Funeral
In a related development, the pastor in charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Glorious People Assembly, Aleto, Deacon Steve Eyo, has died after collapsing while preaching at a funeral service in Aleto, Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to Leadership, Eyo was delivering a sermon at the funeral of a female member of his church on Friday when he suddenly collapsed.
The incident reportedly shocked mourners who had gathered for the burial.
Eyo was subsequently taken to a nearby medical facility for treatment using an ambulance that had been hired to transport the remains of the deceased person whose funeral was being held.
He was, however, pronounced dead at the hospital.
During his sermon, Eyo had reportedly spoken about the certainty of death and the importance of living with the awareness that life can end at any time.
He began preaching at about 1:10 p.m. and reportedly collapsed approximately 15 minutes later as he was concluding his message.
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