5 things voters must do before election day

In preparation for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, voters are advised to take several essential steps. These measures are crucial to ensuring a smooth electoral process and exercising their democratic rights effectively.

Firstly, citizens must ensure they are duly registered and have collected their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs). The Director of Voter Education and Publicity at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Victoria Eta-Messi, has urged eligible voters to make themselves available for PVC collection and to encourage others to do the same. Collecting the PVC is the primary step towards active participation in the elections.

Secondly, voters should verify their polling units. People often overlook this step and wait until election day to discover their polling location, which can lead to confusion and inconvenience. It is essential to establish your polling location ahead of time and stay vigilant throughout the voting process. Having the contact details of relevant electoral and security officials, such as the Resident Electoral Commissioner and the police in your state, is also recommended.

Thirdly, voters must study the candidates' manifestos. Many individuals enter the polling unit with unclear preferences, resulting in indecisive voting. By examining the manifestos of the respective political parties, voters can identify proposals that resonate with their views and assess the candidates they have confidence in. It is vital to consider the feasibility of the candidates' promises, their implementation plans, and their previous records when making a decision.

Fourthly, voters should verify political information accurately. The spread of misinformation, manipulated videos, and fabricated endorsements can significantly impact the electoral process. To combat this, voters must not accept every political message on social media platforms at face value. It is crucial to check the source, date, and context of any information before believing or sharing it.

Cross-referencing claims with credible news organizations, official statements, and independent fact-checking platforms can help maintain the integrity of the voting process.

Lastly, voters must reject vote buying and remain vigilant throughout the electoral process. Electoral choices should be based on informed judgment rather than temporary material benefits. Voters should be aware of their surroundings, security conditions, and their immediate environment when going out to vote. It is essential to reject any money, food, gifts, or other inducements offered in exchange for votes.

If faced with intimidation, vote buying, or other forms of electoral malpractice, voters should report the incidents through appropriate official channels.