By Khalid Idris Doya The Bauchi State Ministry of Information and Communication, in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral C...
By Khalid Idris Doya
The Bauchi State Ministry of Information and Communication, in collaboration with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has trained journalists and information officers from the 20 local government areas of the state on the ongoing voter registration exercise.
The workshop, held on Tuesday at the DEC Office in Bauchi, was aimed at strengthening public awareness and educating citizens on the importance of voter registration.
Speaking during the one-day workshop, the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Usman Shehu Usman, described voter registration as a fundamental step toward consolidating democratic governance. He noted that only through registration can citizens become bona fide voters and key stakeholders in the process of electing leaders at all levels of government.
He explained that voter registration enables citizens to obtain a Permanent Voter Card (PVC), which is a constitutional requirement for participating in elections. According to him, without registration and a voter card, a citizen loses the opportunity to take part in the electoral process.
“At the moment, INEC is making efforts to ensure that all eligible Nigerians are fully registered to exercise their voting rights,” he said.
The commissioner commended INEC for sustaining the continuous voter registration exercise and for establishing designated registration centres across all local government areas of the state.
He further disclosed that Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed is concerned that Bauchi State, despite being one of the most populous states in Nigeria, continues to record low voter turnout during elections.
According to him, it is troubling that less than 50 per cent of registered voters in the state turn out to vote during elections.
“As a ministry responsible for information dissemination and public awareness, we organised this workshop as part of our strategy to mobilise citizens to register and actively participate in elections,” he added.
He said local government information officers, whom he described as foot soldiers of community mobilisation, were being equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to carry out grassroots sensitisation campaigns in their respective areas.
The commissioner also appreciated Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for approving the workshop and other activities aimed at strengthening democratic participation in the state. He equally thanked INEC, NOA and other collaborating organisations for their support.
In a paper presentation titled Voter Participation and National Development, the Bauchi State Director of NOA, Alhaji Nasiru Mahe, emphasised that the success of any democratic process begins with a credible voter register, which largely depends on active citizen participation.
He stated that voter registration and participation are not merely political activities but fundamental pillars of national development.
Mahe explained that national development encompasses economic growth, political stability, social justice, infrastructure development, security and improved quality of life.
He outlined several ways voter participation contributes to national development, including promoting legitimate leadership, encouraging accountability, strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing policy responsiveness, and promoting peace and stability.
“Leaders emerge through a popular mandate when citizens participate actively, enhancing political stability and public trust. Politically aware and active citizens strengthen democratic oversight and hold elected officials accountable,” he said.
He added that high voter turnout reinforces institutions such as INEC and other governance structures, while leaders are more responsive to the needs of citizens who actively engage in the electoral process.
Mahe noted that confidence in the electoral process reduces political violence and fosters peaceful transitions of power.
He expressed concern that more than half of registered voters in Bauchi State fail to participate in elections, warning that the trend weakens the legitimacy of elected leaders, reduces public confidence in governance, and undermines democratic strength.
He therefore called on journalists to intensify public enlightenment efforts and encourage citizens to fully participate in voter registration and future elections.
No comments