Don’t Be Discouraged, Your Votes Will Count, NOA Tells Nigerians – Daily Trust

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has urged Nigerians to return out in giant numbers to vote within the 2027 normal elections, insisting that each vote counts and residents mustn’t enable themselves to be discouraged by voter apathy.

The company additionally mentioned it was constructing on the successes recorded through the current elections in Ekiti and Osun states to strengthen voter mobilisation and promote peaceable, credible and inclusive elections in 2027.

The Zonal Director of NOA, Southwest Zone, Kehinde Martins Ogunkuade, acknowledged this Monday throughout an interview in Abeokuta, Ogun State, whereas outlining the company’s mobilisation methods forward of the subsequent normal elections.

Ogunkuade mentioned the expertise gained from the Ekiti and Osun elections had offered worthwhile classes that may information the company’s efforts throughout the Southwest.

“I was part of the team that worked in Ekiti and Osun states, and, by the grace of God, we witnessed improvements in voter participation. This reflects, in part, the work carried out by the agency. We mobilised citizens and encouraged them to come out and exercise their civic responsibilities,” he mentioned.

He added that NOA was intensifying its grassroots engagement and stakeholder collaboration to realize even higher ends in the forthcoming elections.

“Building on the experience in Ekiti and Osun states, we are confident that similar efforts can produce positive results across other states in our zone. When people feel secure, they are more likely to participate,” Ogunkuade mentioned.

He defined that the company would proceed to have interaction residents on the significance of voting whereas working with safety businesses to reassure voters about their security throughout elections.

According to him, NOA’s mobilisation marketing campaign was formally flagged off on October 15, marking the graduation of actions throughout its directorates and states to encourage better public participation within the 2027 normal elections.

He mentioned the marketing campaign would contain conventional rulers, non secular leaders, political events, safety businesses, civil society teams and different stakeholders within the electoral course of.

“The essence of the flag-off is to ensure that all directorates engage citizens at the grassroots and mobilise them through every available means. Mobilisation is not new to NOA; it is part of our core responsibilities,” he mentioned.

Ogunkuade urged eligible Nigerians, no matter their political affiliations, to take part actively within the democratic course of by voting for candidates of their alternative.

“My sincere message is that democracy belongs to all of us. As Nigerians, we must participate actively in the democratic process and do everything possible to ensure that it works for the benefit of everyone,” he mentioned.

“Regardless of political party affiliation, I urge Nigerians to come out in large numbers and vote for candidates of their choice. This is how we determine who governs us and demonstrate our confidence in the electoral process.”

He dismissed the notion that particular person votes don’t make a distinction, urging Nigerians to not enable themselves to be discouraged from collaborating in elections.

“As I said earlier, citizens should believe that their votes count. Do not allow anyone to deceive you into thinking that your vote does not matter. If votes did not matter, why would politicians seek your support and ask you to collect your Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs)?” he requested.

“Your vote is important, so come out and vote for the candidate of your choice.”