The National Orientation Agency, (NOA) has kicked off its sensitization programme for the upcoming governorship election in Kogi state on November 11. 2023.
Speaking at the event, DG of NOA, Garba Abari, said that the observations of the 2023 general election have shown the need to deepen the understanding of the 2022 electoral act. He noted that the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has made rigging a very difficult enterprise, and that those who resort to violence to alter election results risk total cancellation of the exercise in the specific polling ward.
DG NOA called on stakeholders gathered at the event to take the campaign further to other citizens who depend on them for information, sensitization, and education during elections.
Mr. Patrick Edogbanya, the Acting State Director of NOA, expressed that the stakeholders’ meeting would provide additional momentum to the ongoing sensitization program. The aim is to discourage any kind of violence in the lead-up, during, and after the election.
Participants at the event included representatives from political parties, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the youth, women, the media, civil society, and professional associations.
The event also featured a drama that was used to enlighten stakeholders on the need to shun vote buying and selling.
The NOA’s sensitization programme is a vital step in ensuring that the upcoming governorship election in Kogi state is free, fair, and credible. By educating voters about their rights and responsibilities, and by deterring those who would seek to disrupt the electoral process, the NOA is helping to create a more democratic and peaceful Nigeria.