NOA, INEC Move To Tackle Electoral Risks Ahead Of 2027 Polls

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has called for closer collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to identify and tackle electoral risks ahead of the 2027 general elections in Akwa Ibom State.

The State Director of NOA in Akwa Ibom, Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom, made the call during a workshop on Electoral Risk Management (ERM) held in Uyo, the state capital.

Mkpoutom, who was represented by Mr Akpan Abraham, Deputy Director and Head of the Department of Civic, Values and Democratic Education, commended INEC for bringing stakeholders together to discuss ways of identifying, preventing and managing risks that could threaten peaceful elections.

He described electoral risk management as essential to ensuring that elections are free, fair, credible and peaceful.

According to him, all stakeholders must work together ahead of the 2027 general elections to identify potential challenges, address emerging threats and promote peace, tolerance and mutual respect.

He identified electoral violence, hate speech, misinformation, disinformation, vote buying, political intimidation and the misuse of social media as major factors that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process if not properly addressed.

The NOA director said voter education and public enlightenment remained critical tools for preventing electoral risks.

He explained that the agency would continue to sensitise and mobilise citizens on their civic responsibilities, encourage peaceful political participation and promote issue-based campaigns instead of attacks on individuals, political parties or institutions.

Mkpoutom urged political leaders, candidates, supporters, youths, traditional rulers, religious leaders and the media to play their respective roles in ensuring peaceful elections.

“Political differences should not divide us or lead to violence. Rather, our diversity should strengthen our democracy and encourage constructive engagement,” he said.

He also appealed to residents of Akwa Ibom State to reject fake news, avoid inflammatory statements, respect electoral laws and conduct themselves peacefully before, during and after the elections.

“Every citizen has a responsibility to protect the integrity of the electoral process,” he stated.

Mkpoutom reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to collaborating with INEC, security agencies, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders to promote peaceful elections and strengthen democratic values in Akwa Ibom State.