Abuja: The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Peace Committee (NPC) have asserted that the 2027 General Election will be pivotal to Nigeria’s democratic journey. They emphasized the critical stage of Nigeria’s democratic evolution, urging political leaders to shift from a power-centric approach to governance that prioritizes the people.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this declaration was made during an NPC engagement with electoral stakeholders titled ‘Briefing and Presentation of the Annotations to the Peace Accord’, held in collaboration with The Kukah Centre and supported by the European Union. The Chairman of INEC, Prof. Joash Amupitan, highlighted that Nigeria’s electoral landscape is complex and competitive, and the focus on power politics has historically undermined national development.
Prof. Amupitan pointed out that the country’s political focus has hindered development, with recurring electoral challenges impeding progress. He stressed the interconnectedness of democracy and development, noting that countries once trailing Nigeria economically have advanced by strengthening democratic institutions. INEC is revising its regulations to enhance electoral processes, including plans to implement GIS mapping of polling units and improve voter interaction platforms.
The NPC Chairman, Abdulsalami Abubakar, represented by NPC Convener Bishop Mathew Kukah, acknowledged skepticism about politicians’ adherence to the Peace Accord. Abubakar emphasized collective responsibility in ensuring compliance, explaining that the Peace Accord aligns with constitutional sections to bolster its authority. He reaffirmed the NPC’s dedication to collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure peaceful elections.
The Commissioner of Police in charge of Election Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Abayomi Shogunle, highlighted the use of predictive analytics for election security planning. He emphasized the need to combat misinformation and reiterated the police’s commitment to collaborate with INEC and other agencies.
The Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, Yusuf Dantalle, reflected on the credibility of the last elections but expressed concerns about the Electoral Act 2023’s impact on smaller parties. Dantalle advocated for greater independence in INEC’s leadership appointment and funding to maintain its credibility.
Yunusa Ya’u, Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, warned about declining voter turnout and public trust, and expressed disappointment over the lack of mandatory electronic result transmission in the amended law. He highlighted concerns about the shrinking space for opposition politics.
Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, discussed risks posed by compressed timelines in the 2026 Electoral Act, noting that while some provisions are commendable, others could undermine electoral integrity and inclusivity.