Why 50% Of 103m Registered Voters Must Vote In 2027 – Group

The Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro) has stressed the need to ensure that at least 50 percent of the Nigeria’ s registered voters participate in the 2027 general elections.

The group warned that turnout substantially below 50 percent would raise serious questions about the democratic credibility and legitimacy of the process.

The group’s call followed the latest disclosure by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that Nigeria’s national voter register now contains 103,428,715 registered voters ahead of the 2027 elections.

The PeacePro’s executive director, Abdulrazaq Hamzat said a 50 percent turnout would mean more than 51.7 million Nigerians actually casting their ballots.

“At least 50 percent of Nigeria’s registered voters should vote in 2027. Anything significantly below 50 percent should concern every Nigerian who believes in democracy,” he said.

Hamzat noted that presidential election turnout has fallen sharply over successive elections from 53.7 percent in 2011 to 43.6 percent in 2015, 34.7 percent in 2019 and 26.7 percent in 2023, according to INEC.

“We cannot continue moving backwards. Democracy cannot become a system in which a small minority chooses governments while the overwhelming majority stays away.

“Nigeria cannot accept 20-something percent turnout as normal. If more than 103 million people are registered to vote, Nigerians should demonstrate that democracy is not merely about registering; it is about participating,” he added.

He called on INEC, political parties, civil society organisations, the media and political candidates to address factors contributing to voter apathy, including “distrust in political institutions, insecurity, logistical barriers, inadequate electoral communication and the perception that voting does not produce meaningful change.”

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