By Gabriel Ewepu

ABUJA – AS the 2027 general elections draw closer, Kimpact Development Initiative, KDI, and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Wednesday, unveiled two voter education manuals.

KDI and INEC explained the importance of the manuals, the INEC 2026 Voter Education Manual and the Youth-Friendly Civic and Voter Education Manual, are to be used for voter education ahead of the elections.

The National Chairman, INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, represented by National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Kudu Haruna, highlighted the urgency of addressing low voter turnout.

The youth-focused manual seeks to make civic education more accessible and relatable, recognizing the critical role young people play in ensuring credible elections.

Amupitan said: “For too long, we have accepted a democracy where the 70 per cent who stay at home allow the remaining 30 per cent to determine the future for everyone”, he said.

He also stressed that the initiative is more than just the production of educational materials, “We are not just printing books; we are equipping Nigerians with the knowledge needed to safeguard their future from those who may seek to compromise it for personal gain”, he added.

The INEC boss also noted that sustained public enlightenment, particularly on the Electoral Act 2026, would help bridge trust gaps and encourage greater participation in the electoral process.

Meanwhile, in his welcome remarks, the KDI Team Lead, Bukola Idowu, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, and according to Idowu, the updated manuals reflect the realities and perspectives of young Nigerians.

“The youth-friendly version places young people at the centre of democratic participation — not only as voters, but also as educators, advocates, and agents of change within their communities”, he said.

The Director-General, National Orientation Agency, NOA, Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the initiative as both timely and strategic, saying that, “This effort underscores the importance of grassroots engagement and collective action, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond election periods.”

Issa-Onilu also said the manuals would be incorporated into the National Youth Service Corps Community Development Service programme to promote peer-led civic education across the country, adding that civic and political education remains essential to achieving free, fair, and credible elections.