As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, civic group GoNigeria has raised concerns over the state of the country’s electoral system, stressing that credible electoral reform is both urgent and unavoidable.
In a statement titled Electoral reform and the sanctity of Nigeria democratic future, the group led by Atedo Peterside and 24 others emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy rests on four critical pillars electoral reform judicial reform freedom of speech and the security of life and property.
According to the group electoral reform remains the foundation upon which public trust and effective governance are built. It noted that elections go beyond selecting leaders as they determine the legitimacy of power and the credibility of institutions.
Referencing the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee the statement highlighted the need for an independent electoral body transparent processes and credible dispute resolution mechanisms.
The group also acknowledged past progress including the adoption of biometric voter registration permanent voters cards and electronic accreditation which strengthened confidence particularly during the 2015 elections widely seen as a benchmark for democratic credibility in Nigeria.
However it lamented that public trust has declined since the 2019 and 2023 elections due to inconsistent use of technology weak enforcement of electoral rules and increasing reliance on the courts to decide election outcomes.
Citing recent surveys GoNigeria revealed that less than half of Nigerians trust the Independent National Electoral Commission with distrust especially high among young people and in parts of the South South and South East regions.
The group warned that a weak electoral system could lead to violence unaccountable leadership and weakened institutions urging authorities to focus on implementing the Electoral Act 2026 effectively and restoring public confidence.
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