By Toyin Victor, ABUJA
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has raised concerns over growing voter intimidation, political violence, inflammatory rhetoric and weak institutional accountability ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The Convener, Y. Z. Ya’u, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, raised the concerns in his opening remarks at a World Press Conference on threats to Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 General Elections, held in Abuja on Tuesday to mark the 2026 International Day of Democracy.
Ya’u said the credibility of the 2027 elections will be determined long before election day, stressing that citizens must be able to participate, campaign and vote freely without fear, intimidation or coercion.
The Situation Room said recent public opinion findings reveal a growing gap between Nigerians’ support for democracy and their experience of democratic governance. It cited findings showing that 64 percent of Nigerians still prefer democracy, while 77 percent are dissatisfied with the way democracy is working and only 23 percent trust INEC.
The coalition also expressed concern over Nigeria’s democratic and governance indicators, noting that the V-Dem Institute classifies Nigeria as an Electoral Autocracy, while the 2024 Mo Ibrahim Index ranked the country 33rd out of 54 African countries.
It said the political environment has deteriorated, with alleged threats, intimidation and violence being used to suppress opposition and restrict political participation. The group also raised concerns linked to the recently concluded Osun State Governorship Election.
The Situation Room condemned reports of threats allegedly telling citizens to “vote APC or leave the community,” saying that, if established, such conduct would undermine citizens’ constitutional rights. It also expressed concern over the alleged use of public office, ethnicity and religion to influence political choices.
The group called on INEC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Judiciary and other relevant institutions to enforce the Electoral Act 2026 impartially, investigate electoral violations promptly and ensure that political influence does not shield offenders from accountability.
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room said it would intensify monitoring of the political and electoral environment ahead of 2027, focusing on electoral preparedness, campaign financing, political violence, misinformation, civic freedoms and institutional accountability. It urged political leaders, public institutions, security agencies, the media, civil society and citizens to work together to protect Nigeria’s democracy and ensure elections that Nigerians can trust.