Beatrice Gondyi Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has raised concern over the persistent low voter turnout during elections, as the Ministry of Information and Communication organized a sensitization workshop to promote voter registration and civic participation across the state.
The one-day workshop, held at the Development Exchange Center, DEC, in Bauchi, brought together Local Government Information Officers and key stakeholders, including officials from the Independent National Electoral Commission, the National Orientation Agency and Journalists to strengthen grassroots mobilization efforts.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Usman Usman Shehu, expressed worry that despite Bauchi State’s large population and number of registered voters, less than 50 percent of eligible voters turn out during elections.
He described voter registration as a critical pillar of democracy, stressing that it gives citizens the legal right to vote and participate in shaping leadership at all levels of government.
The Commissioner explained that the workshop was organized to equip Local Government Information Officers with the necessary knowledge and communication tools to effectively sensitize citizens, particularly those in rural communities, on the importance of registering and participating in elections.
He urged participants to return to their respective Local Government Areas and design effective awareness campaigns that would encourage more people to register and actively participate in the electoral process.
He commended the Bauchi State Government for organizing the sensitization workshop and described it as a timely initiative that would help improve public awareness and strengthen democratic engagement.
“Voter Registration will empower the citizens to acquire a Voter Card, which is a constitutional requirement for showing up at polling points during any election. Without it, a citizen loses qualification to participate in the electoral process”.
The Commissioner also acknowledged the support of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, for approving the workshop, noting that the administration remains committed to promoting civic responsibility and democratic participation.
A major highlight of the workshop was a paper presentation delivered by the Bauchi State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Nasiru Mahe, titled “Voter Participation Towards National Development.”
In his presentation, Mahe emphasized that active voter participation is essential for strengthening democracy, promoting accountability, and ensuring good governance.
He noted that citizens who participate in elections contribute directly to national development by helping to elect credible leaders who can implement policies that improve the welfare of the people.
He stressed that low voter turnout weakens democratic institutions and reduces the collective voice of the people in governance, urging citizens to see voting not only as a civic responsibility but also as a contribution to national progress.
Mahe also called on Information Officers to intensify public enlightenment campaigns at the grassroots level, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities, to educate citizens on the importance of voter registration and participation.
The workshop featured interactive sessions and expert presentations designed to enhance the capacity of Information Officers to serve as effective agents of voter education and mobilization across Bauchi State.
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