The State Director, National Orientation Agency Akwa Ibom Directorate Mr Mkpoutom Mkpoutom in his goodwill message at the workshop on Electoral Risk Management commended the INEC for taking this timely initiative to bring together stakeholders to discuss ways of identifying, preventing, and managing risks that could threaten the peaceful conduct of elections. Electoral risk management is essential to ensuring that elections are free, fair, credible and peaceful.
The State Director who was represented at the workshop by Mr Akpan Abraham, Deputy Director and head of department of Civic, Values and Democratic Education stated that it is imperative as we prepare for the 2027 general elections for all stakeholders to work together to identify potential challenges, address emerging threats, and promote an atmosphere of peace, tolerance and mutual respect. Issues such as electoral violence, hate speech, misinformation, disinformation, vote buying, political intimidation and the misuse of social media can undermine public confidence in the electoral process if not properly addressed.
The representative of the State Director noted that the National Orientation Agency recognises that voter education and public enlightenment are critical tools for preventing electoral risks. Through continuous sensitisation and mobilisation, the Agency remains committed to educating citizens on their civic responsibilities, encouraging peaceful political participation, and promoting issue-based campaigns rather than attacks on personalities, political parties, or institutions.
He called on political leaders, candidates, supporters, youths, traditional rulers, religious leaders and the media to play their respective roles in promoting peaceful elections. Political differences should not divide us or lead to violence. Rather, our diversity should strengthen our democracy and encourage constructive engagement.
Mr Mkpoutom appealed to Akwa Ibom residence to reject the spread of fake news, avoid inflammatory statements, respect electoral laws and conduct themselves peacefully before, during, and after elections. Every citizen has a responsibility to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
As an Agency responsible for public enlightenment and national orientation, NOA will continue to collaborate with INEC, security agencies, civil society organisations, and other relevant stakeholders to promote peaceful elections and strengthen democratic values in Akwa Ibom State.
He concluded by emphasising that preventing electoral violence is a collective responsibility and peaceful elections begin with responsible citizens and committed stakeholders. The success of our democracy depends not only on the conduct of elections but also on our willingness to respect the rules, accept lawful outcomes, and protect the peace of our communities.
The State Director wishedb all participants fruitful deliberations and hope that the recommendations from this workshop will contribute meaningfully to effective electoral risk management and the successful conduct of peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections in 2027.