INEC Chairman Calls for Stronger Partnership with NOA to Boost Voter Mobilisation and Education

The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has emphasised the need for deeper collaboration between the Commission and the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to enhance voter education, mobilisation, and public engagement across the country.

Professor Yakubu made this call on Wednesday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, to the INEC headquarters.

The visit, which was initiated by the NOA boss, was aimed at strengthening institutional synergy ahead of future electoral exercises.

In his remarks, Professor Yakubu underscored the critical role of stakeholder engagement and inter-agency cooperation in the effective discharge of INEC’s mandate, noting that NOA is a key national institution in this regard.

“For INEC to succeed in delivering credible elections, we must work closely with all relevant stakeholders. NOA is central to our efforts in public sensitisation and voter education due to its nationwide grassroots presence,” he said.

Highlighting NOA’s structure, which mirrors INEC’s reach at the local government level, the INEC Chairman said the agency’s proximity to citizens at the community level makes it an invaluable partner in promoting electoral participation.

Yakubu proposed that both agencies deepen collaboration through INEC’s Voter Education and Publicity Department, particularly in light of the recent establishment of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Division within INEC’s ICT Department.

“Another critical area for partnership is voter mobilisation. While INEC continues its efforts in voter education, the NOA, in collaboration with political parties, civil society organisations, and the media, can play a pivotal role in getting more Nigerians involved in the electoral process,” Yakubu stated.

He stressed the importance of increasing voter turnout and ensuring greater inclusion of under-represented groups, such as young people, women, and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), in democratic processes.

To further cement this cooperation, Yakubu noted that the NOA has been included in the expanded membership of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Election Security (ICCES), a platform for coordinating election-related security and logistics.

He also revealed plans to revitalise the National Inter-Agency Committee on Voter Education and Publicity (NICVEP), where the NOA would continue to play an active and leading role.

The INEC Chairman commended the new leadership of the NOA for its proactive approach to national orientation and reiterated the Commission’s readiness to work with the agency to promote democratic values.

“Once again, I wish to reassure you of INEC’s commitment to a strategic partnership with NOA. We are encouraged by the new momentum and direction your management is bringing to the agency,” he concluded.

The NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, was accompanied by senior officials of the agency during the visit.