Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and election experts have identified weak political parties, compromised polling agents and poor management of election technology as major threats to the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. The concerns were raised during a policy dialogue organised by the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought (ASSPT) in Abuja.
The stakeholders on Tuesday July 21 reviewed a draft strategy titled “Nigeria 2027 Election Integrity, Citizen Participation, and Democratic Resilience Strategy,” which seeks to strengthen electoral transparency through early intervention, improved accountability and greater citizen participation. ASSPT Director, Dr. Sam Amadi, said protecting the integrity of elections was more important than determining who wins, calling for coordinated action by electoral bodies, political parties, civil society, security agencies and the media.
The proposed framework recommends stronger monitoring of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), improved management of election technology, clearer result transmission procedures, enhanced voter education and the establishment of citizen-led Situation Rooms across the country. It also advocates reforms to strengthen internal party democracy, transparent primaries and better training for polling agents.
Participants stressed that credible elections require active citizen involvement before, during and after voting. They also called for proper documentation of electoral irregularities, improved accountability from INEC and efforts to address poverty and voter inducement ahead of the 2027 elections.
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