Over half of Nigerian uni students lack PVCs for 2027 elections
A Campus Reporter survey of 222 students across 34 tertiary institutions found that 52.1% had not registered for Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), a requirement for voting, with only 36% saying they would certainly vote and 22.1% likely to vote in the 2027 general elections. Among respondents aged 18-21, 59% remained unregistered as of June 30, before INEC’s originally July 10 deadline was extended and finally closed on July 26. This highlights significant voter readiness gaps among young Nigerians ahead of the next election cycle.
The finding matters because Nigerians aged 18-34 constitute the largest voting bloc at 39.65% of eligible voters, yet turnout has fallen from 53.7% in 2011 to 28% in 2023. Persistent apathy among youth threatens the legitimacy and representativeness of the 2027 elections, potentially skewing policy outcomes away from younger citizens’ interests and reinforcing a cycle of disengagement.
Survey respondents cited greater transparency as the top factor that would encourage them to vote (31.5%), alongside demands for easier registration, more youth representation in politics, better voter education, and reduced election violence. Dissatisfaction with past election results has also eroded confidence in voting. If you are a student or know one, verify registration status via the INEC portal, share accurate information with peers, advocate for transparent electoral processes, and consider how sustained apathy could shape future governance.