Stakeholders at the 9th National Stakeholders’ Forum on Elections in Abuja discuss credible elections, democratic governance, and political plurality ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 polls
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, civil society, election officials, security agencies, and political actors are calling for stronger collaboration, civic engagement, as well as political plurality to protect the country’s democracy.
The 9th Annual National Stakeholders’ Forum on Elections, organised by the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, brought together key actors to discuss the need for credible elections and accountable governance.
Prof. Amupitan highlighted that free, fair, and transparent elections ensure legitimacy and accountability, requiring cooperation between political parties, civil society, the media, security agencies, and INEC.
The Chairman highlighted the use of technology under the Electoral Act 2022, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the IReV portal, which have enhanced transparency and public trust.
However, he noted that telecommunications challenges affect real-time result uploads at over 176,000 polling units, and INEC is working with the Nigerian Communications Commission and network providers to address these gaps.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Joash Amupitan, in his presentation, described the forum as a “vital national space for meaningful dialogue”, stressing that the responsibility of safeguarding democracy is shared among government, citizens, and civil society. “Credible elections are the foundation of democracy,” he said.
Prof. Amupitan also cited declining voter participation as a concern, noting a 27% turnout in the 2023 general elections.
He praised outreach efforts in Anambra State, where voter registration rose from 63.9% to 98.8% through engagement with civil society, the media, and communities.
Currently, 2,685,725 new voter registrations have been recorded in the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) exercise, with Osun, Kano, Sokoto, and Imo leading.
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He also announced preparations for the 2026 Area Council Elections in the Federal Capital Territory (Feb 21, 2026), stressing collaboration with security agencies to prevent vote-buying and intimidation.
Police Commit to Intelligence-Led Election Security
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, CP Abayomi Shogunle outlined a three-pronged strategy for election security:
Pre-Election: Gather intelligence, secure campaigns, and identify hotspots.
Election Day: Ensure safety at polling units and critical infrastructure, facilitate voter movement, and respond to incidents.
Post-Election: Protect electoral materials and personnel, maintain stability, and deter post-election violence.
Shogunle highlighted reforms including training on the Electoral Act, human rights, countering electoral violence, and investments in technology for better coordination.
“Our success will be measured by citizens in the remotest parts of Nigeria feeling safe and confident to vote,” he said.
Earlier, Dr. Clement Nwankwo, Executive Director of the Policy and Legal Advocacy Center (PLAC), representing the convener of the Situation Room, Yinusa Ya’au, stressed the importance of civil society in ensuring credible and inclusive elections.
“Our main concern is not who wins, but that the process is credible,” he said. “An election lacking credibility undermines governance and legitimacy.”
The forum recalled Nigeria’s turbulent political history (1983–1999), warning against military interventions and emphasizing the need for uninterrupted civilian governance.
Civil society also stressed political plurality, cautioning that dominance by a single party could threaten democratic stability.
The Situation Room urged INEC Chairman Prof. Amupitan to promote inclusive governance, political plurality, and youth engagement, highlighting that democracy thrives on transparency, pluralism, and active civic participation.
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