By Jane Okeke
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has raised concerns over alleged voter intimidation, political violence and weakening accountability ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
The Convener, Y. Z. Ya’u of the 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 would be determined long before election day, stressing that citizens must be able to participate in the political process, campaign and vote without fear, intimidation or coercion.
The Situation Room cited public opinion findings which, according to the group, show a widening gap between Nigerians’ support for democracy and their experience of democratic governance. It said 64 percent of Nigerians still prefer democracy to other forms of government, while 77 percent are dissatisfied with the way democracy is working and only 23 percent trust INEC.
The coalition also cited international governance assessments, noting that the V-Dem Institute classifies Nigeria as an Electoral Autocracy, while the 2024 Mo Ibrahim Index ranked Nigeria 33rd out of 54 African countries.
It expressed concern over alleged threats, intimidation and violence being used to restrict political participation, while also referencing concerns arising from the recently concluded Osun State Governorship Election.
The Situation Room specifically condemned reports of threats allegedly telling citizens to “vote APC or leave the community,” saying that, if established, such conduct would undermine constitutional rights, including the right to vote and freedom of movement. It also raised concerns 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 alleged electoral violations and ensure that political influence does not prevent accountability.
The 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, citizen participation and institutional accountability. It urged political leaders, public institutions, security agencies, the media, civil society and citizens to uphold democratic freedoms and work towards an electoral process Nigerians can trust.
