A non-governmental organisation, Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) has unveiled an AI App, Naija Elections to curb rising voter apathy and enhance voter education ahead of the forthcoming Nov 8 Governorship Election in Anambra State.
The group unveiled the App at the Naija Elections Awka DemTalks Youth Outreach Program, held in Awka, Anambra state capital.
Here, more than 200 youth organisation trained in this tech-savvy gathering which include members of Anambra State Association of Town Union (ASATU) Youths, Corps members, members of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), PFN Youths, Student associations, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), National Orientation Agency (NOA), Red Cross Society, Police representative, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), the media, among others.
Addressing the gathering, the Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), Bukola Idowu said AI-powered platform provides seamless access to democratic and electoral information, with a specific focus on young Nigerians.
Idowu who spoke on the topic “Democracy Talk and Interactive Demo & Engagement with Naija Election Platform”, noted that the platform addresses critical electoral information gaps by providing user-friendly access to Nigeria’s elections data, constitutional provisions, electoral judicial decisions, and related democratic content.
“It is an election and governance platform that gives accurate and official information, regarding the Constitution, Electoral Act and INEC Guideline targeted at curbing misinformation and disinformation to enhance voter education.
“The Naija Elections platform was borne out of the need to close information gap, increase electoral literacy and voter turnout, transform how young Nigerians engage with the democratic process and empower informed citizens how to participate in Nigeria’s elections, particularly the forthcoming Anambra Governorship Election.
“This innovation aims to combat disinformation, enhance democratic
awareness, and encourage active youth participation in Nigeria’s electoral processes.
“It is user friendly, inclusive and provides answers to a wide range of questions on Nigeria’s electoral process, governance and even current affairs. Interestingly, the platform offers responses in audio too and it is available in four languages namely – English, Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa languages,” Idowu said.
He unequivocally urged residents of the state, especially the youths to eschew voter apathy and participate actively in the election, given the wide implications of government policies in the lives of the people.
“Government is too powerful and influential that even in death, it is required to officially certify someone dead. If you can’t take part in choosing who even decides if you are dead or not, what else would you be part of”. This is why citizens cannot afford not to participate actively in the selection process of their leaders.”
On how to use it, he said “Anambra people being armed with this app have no excuse for ignorance and should understand what the electoral process and landscape entails. Secondly, Anambra now has a tool that can actually curb misinformation and increase voter turnout geared towards having participation in governance.”
He charged youths and other electoral stakeholders to use the platform to boost voter education and reverse the disturbing voter apathy in Anambra state.
Idowu further urged stakeholders to reassure people of hope in the nation’s electoral system after wide perception that their votes don’t count.
Earlier, the Programme Manager of KDI, Abiodun Banjoko, stressed the need to ignite a fresh thinking on how young people can lead change and build democratic resilience in Nigeria.
“All is required is just to visit www.naijaelections.org and get all the information you need about our election. If there is any process of our election unclear to you, the platform provides the information. Even students with assignments on our electoral system can find it handy.”
The Naija Elections Awka DemTalks Youth Outreach Program also provided an opportunity to hear from different stakeholders on what they are doing for a better election and what can be done better.
The panel discussion featured panelists from the media, police, National Orientation Agency and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs).###
