As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, concerns over the credibility of the electoral process have resurfaced, with stakeholders divided over whether voters’ choices will be fully protected and reflected in the final results.
The debate followed the inauguration of the All Progressives Movement, APM, presidential campaign office in Ibadan, where Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who is also the party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State and other opposition figures unveiled a “Reset Nigeria” agenda. The opposition leaders expressed confidence that Nigerians’ votes would count in the next general election.
However, their optimism comes amid concerns over reported threats against voters, political opponents and dissenting residents by some serving politicians. Some Nigerians have also questioned whether the issues that affected the 2023 elections have been sufficiently addressed to guarantee a more credible process in 2027.
Alagoa Morris, Chief Operating Officer of Environmental Conservation Agriculture and Rural Development, ECARD, said the absence of visible punishment for electoral violence remained troubling. He argued that despite incidents being publicly witnessed during the 2023 elections, there had been little evidence of individuals being prosecuted or jailed for electoral offences.
Morris also criticised the performance of electronic result transmission during the 2023 election, saying the experience had weakened his confidence in the electoral system. He said restoring public trust would require more than assurances from electoral authorities.
The immediate past President of the Ijaw National Congress, INC, Prof. Benjamin Okaba, said Nigerians could remain hopeful about 2027, but stressed that optimism alone could not guarantee credible elections. He said strong institutions, respect for the rule of law, effective electoral processes and citizens’ determination to participate peacefully would be necessary.
Okaba also warned against intimidation and violence during campaigns, saying elections should be based on ideas, programmes and competence rather than fear or financial inducement. He urged INEC to learn from the shortcomings of 2023, thoroughly test its technology and ensure security agencies protect voters and the electoral process without political bias.
Convener of the South South Reawakening Group, Joseph Ambakederimo, urged political actors and citizens to concentrate on issues affecting the country rather than inflammatory campaign rhetoric. He noted that despite controversial statements made during previous campaigns, elections were eventually conducted, votes counted and winners declared.
Tare Maureen Amananaghan, Executive Director of Fringe Voices Development Foundation, said the optimism expressed by opposition leaders must be supported by concrete institutional safeguards. According to her, concerns from the 2023 elections over transparency, result management, technology, collation and public trust must be deliberately addressed before 2027.
She said the central question was not whether Nigerians would participate, but whether every valid vote would be protected, accurately recorded, transparently collated and reflected in the final result. Amananaghan therefore called on citizens, political parties, security agencies, observers, the media and INEC to take greater responsibility for protecting the integrity of the election.
Coordinator of the Niger Delta Peace Coalition, Zik Gbemre, was more cautious, arguing that votes would not count through slogans or wishful thinking. He expressed concern that political desperation and alleged intimidation could worsen ahead of 2027, while urging Nigerians to participate actively and defend their votes peacefully.
Retired army officer, Chief Augustine Oko, expressed deeper concern about the security situation. He said the growing signs of violence and political desperation could create an environment in which voters would struggle to exercise their rights freely.
Former Ondo State chairman of the SDP, Hon. Stephen Adewale, said the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend on the legal framework, INEC’s independence and preparedness, security agencies’ neutrality and transparent transmission and collation of results. He said the unresolved controversies surrounding the 2023 election had weakened public confidence and could not be addressed through assurances alone.
Former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly and state secretary of Afenifere, Rt. Hon. Bakkita Bello, said citizens could overcome threats when they remained determined and vigilant. He pointed to the recently concluded Osun State governorship election as an example of how citizens could protect their electoral choices, while urging political parties to educate and mobilise voters.
Public affairs commentator, Jimoh Olufemi, also expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of credible elections. He said opposition parties must speak out against irregularities and draw the attention of relevant stakeholders to practices capable of undermining the electoral process.
Public affairs analyst, Ola Animasaun, said recent improvements in INEC’s preparedness during an off-cycle election suggested that the 2027 general elections could improve on previous cycles. He urged INEC to ensure a level playing field and strengthen the IReV system for effective result transmission.
Chairman of the United Action for Democracy, UAD, Ogun State chapter, Comrade Ashaye Wasiu, called for greater voter education, institutional accountability and visible reforms ahead of the elections. He identified reliable electoral technology, citizen vigilance and effective enforcement of electoral laws as key requirements for ensuring that votes count.
SDP governorship candidate in Oyo State, Mogaji Olusegun Agboola, said Nigerians had heard political assurances about elections before and that the real test would be whether citizens could vote freely without intimidation. He urged INEC and security agencies to demonstrate through their preparations and conduct that voters’ choices would be protected.
Former Ekiti State Commissioner, Lanre Ogunsuyi, said Nigerians had legitimate reasons to remain cautious because of unresolved concerns from 2023. He urged voters to remain vigilant and protect their ballots, citing the Osun election as evidence that citizens could play an important role in safeguarding electoral outcomes.
Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council, IPAC, in Edo State, Bishop Akhalamhe, called on political parties to focus on manifestos and policies rather than desperation for power. He said citizens should be allowed to determine their preferred leaders through their votes.
The National President of the Middle Belt Forum, MBF, Dr Bitrus Pogu, expressed confidence that Nigerians could make their votes count if they remained determined. He argued that reported threats against political opponents could indicate that politicians were concerned about the power of voters to influence the outcome.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the views expressed by the various stakeholders highlight both optimism and deep concerns surrounding Nigeria’s electoral process. While some believe reforms and citizen vigilance can produce credible results, others remain sceptical because of unresolved issues from 2023, political intimidation and concerns over electoral technology.
The emerging consensus among several stakeholders is that credible elections will require more than political promises. They say INEC, security agencies, political parties, observers and citizens will all have roles to play in ensuring that the Nigerian voter can cast a ballot freely and have that choice accurately reflected in the final outcome.
