A former National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Festus Okoye, has expressed skepticism that the 2027 general elections will witness a significant surge in youth participation.
Speaking on Monday on Inside Scoop, a current affairs programme on Adamimogo 105.1FM, Ibadan, Okoye said many young Nigerians appear increasingly disillusioned with the country’s governance, a sentiment he believes could dampen enthusiasm for the next electoral cycle.
According to him, a sizeable number of youths feel alienated from the political process, arguing that their engagement in previous elections has not yielded tangible improvements in leadership or public policy.
He noted that this growing disconnect may negatively impact voter turnout among the demographic group often described as Nigeria’s largest and most energetic voting bloc.
Okoye, who played a prominent role in electoral communication and public engagement during his tenure at INEC, also addressed the controversy surrounding the recently released 2027 election timetable.
He maintained that Nigeria’s electoral calendar is firmly rooted in constitutional and statutory provisions, stressing that no individual or institution has the authority to arbitrarily adjust dates once they have been validly set in line with the law.
His comments come amid public debate over INEC’s announcement of the 2027 general election dates, with some critics pointing out that the schedule may coincide with the Ramadan fasting period.
While acknowledging the concerns being raised, Okoye emphasised that any review of the timetable must strictly follow due process and comply with constitutional requirements.
