General News
AN academic, Prof. Adepoju Tejumaiye, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to intensify voter education and strengthen election security.
Tejumaiye,of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Lagos, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos,while speaking on the ongoing Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise.
He said available research showed that many Nigerians were still willing to vote despite concerns about the electoral process.
According to him, violence, intimidation and inadequate public awareness are some of the things affecting turnout during elections.
“I do not agree that Nigerians have lost confidence in elections. Our research shows that people are still interested in participating in elections.
“The major problem is that many voters are discouraged by thuggery, insecurity and other obstacles that prevent them from exercising their civic responsibility,” he said.
Tejumaiye urged INEC to sustain voter education campaigns through television, radio, newspapers, social media and community communication channels.
He said the campaigns should extend beyond major cities to rural communities where access to information remain limited.
“INEC should take the campaign to the grassroots. The commission should also partner with telecommunications companies to send regular reminders to citizens.
“People need to understand that voting is a civic duty. When eligible citizens refuse to vote, they create opportunities for less qualified leaders to emerge,” he said.
The don also stressed the need for greater transparency throughout the electoral process to strengthen public trust.
He said reliable technology and stable network connectivity during elections would help address concerns about the credibility of results.
Tejumaiye further urged INEC to work closely with security agencies to ensure polling units are free from violence and intimidation.
“If people are confident that they can vote peacefully without fear of attacks or harassment, voter turnout will increase significantly,” he said.
Commenting on the ongoing voter registration exercise, he said inadequate awareness remained one of the biggest challenges.
He noted that many Nigerians were still unaware that INEC had extended the registration exercise.
Tejumaiye advised the commission to engage influencers, community leaders and the media to promote the exercise and sustain public interest.
“The campaign for Permanent Voter Card registration should not be a one-time activity. It should be continuous so Nigerians remain aware of their civic responsibility,” he said.
He also opposed making the presentation of Permanent Voter Cards a condition for accessing government services.
According to him, such measures are inappropriate and may discourage participation in the electoral process.
Tejumaiye maintained that creating a peaceful and transparent electoral environment remained the most effective way to improve voter registration and turnout. (NAN)
W.U
July 10, 2026
Tags: Prof. Adepoju Tejumaiye