The Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) West Africa has convened a high-level stakeholders’ dialogue in Awka, Anambra State, on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in a strategic effort to reverse the growing trend of voter apathy and combat the spread of misinformation threatening Nigeria’s democratic process.
The engagement, led by election consultant Chibuike Mgbeahuruike on behalf of Dauda Garuba, brought together a broad coalition of stakeholders spanning the media, legal, civic, and grassroots sectors. The objective was clear: to diagnose the root causes of electoral disengagement and develop sustainable solutions to rebuild public trust in democratic institutions.
Chairman of the International Peace and Civic Responsibility Centre (IPCRC), Chris Azor, underscored the complexity of tackling corruption in a system where many benefit from it. He stressed that strengthening democracy requires collective responsibility and institutional reform, urging participants to promote unity and ensure that information disseminated contributes to national cohesion rather than division.
Providing academic depth to the discourse, Henry Duru of Nnamdi Azikiwe University highlighted the psychological dimension of electoral credibility. According to him, technological advancements alone cannot restore trust unless the mindset of the electorate is addressed. He advocated for intentional narratives that foster peace, trust, and inclusivity within the democratic space.
On the issue of misinformation, Chuka Nnabuife, Director of ANCIPRO, warned that the information ecosystem is increasingly dominated by non-professionals. He emphasized the urgent need for citizens and stakeholders to adopt fact-checking practices, noting that unchecked falsehoods pose a serious threat to electoral integrity.
Legal perspectives were also brought to the fore by Amara Muojeke of FIDA Nigeria. She raised concerns about how disinformation deepens societal divisions and criticized aspects of the Electoral Act that appear to downplay the importance of academic qualifications for leadership, arguing that such provisions undermine the pursuit of competent governance.
From the grassroots, Virginia Nkechi Okeke, Secretary of the Market Women Organisation in Awka, highlighted security as a critical factor influencing voter turnout, particularly among women. She called on government authorities to guarantee safety on election days to enable broader participation.
Other notable contributors included Ifeoma Chibuike, Inalegwu Shaibu of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, and Her Worship Maria Nwadimkpa Anyabelubo. Traditional leadership was represented by Ikenna Chibuike, alongside officials from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and various civil society groups.
The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment among participants to take these insights back to their respective constituencies, reinforcing public awareness, promoting responsible information sharing, and encouraging active civic participation ahead of future elections.
The Awka engagement marks a significant step in addressing two of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy—voter apathy and the rising tide of fake news—while reinforcing the need for collective action in safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process.
