Political apathy, simply defined, is the lack of interest in political activities and governance. In Nigeria, political apathy manifests in different ways, including voter apathy, disinterest in political discussions, avoidance of political news, and refusal to engage in political activities such as protests or referenda. While voter apathy—the decision not to vote in elections—is the most visible form, political apathy extends beyond the ballot box, affecting the broader democratic process. Democracy thrives on active citizen participation, and when political apathy is widespread, governance becomes less representative and more controlled by a few engaged individuals. One of the most concerning effects of political apathy in Nigeria is its impact on elections and leadership legitimacy. The 2007 general elections, for instance, revealed the extent of this problem. According to official records, Nigeria’s Voting Age Population (VAP) was 131,859,731, yet only 61,567,036 people registered...
...so, why ask why?