Abuja: Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, Director-General, National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), has urged political parties to strengthen internal democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections. Sulaiman shared his insights on Wednesday in Abuja during a public lecture organized by the institute, focusing on Nigeria’s political transition to 2027.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the lecture, entitled ‘Nigeria’s Political Transition to 2027: Challenges and Opportunities for Multi-Party Democracy,’ explored the factors influencing Nigeria’s democratic evolution. The director-general emphasized that the upcoming elections offer a chance to evaluate the robustness of Nigeria’s democratic framework and explore ways to fortify its institutions.
He highlighted that the success of multi-party democracy relies on robust political parties, transparent internal processes, diverse policy options, and adherence to democratic principles. Sulaiman also pointed out that political parties should function as more than just vehicles for election victories, serving instead as platforms for political recruitment and leadership development.
Sulaiman remarked that the transition to 2027 presents an opportunity for political parties to introspect and foster issue-based political engagement nationwide. He noted that the rise of digital and social media has revolutionized political communication, enhancing citizen participation and civic engagement. However, he cautioned against the risks of misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and politically-motivated narratives that could skew public discourse and erode trust in democratic institutions.
The director-general called on political actors, media groups, technology platforms, and citizens to encourage responsible communication and foster a healthier information ecosystem. He stated that the institute’s public lecture aimed to inspire informed dialogue on Nigeria’s political transition and the future of multi-party democracy.
In his goodwill message, the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed Jungudo, noted that the party had weathered challenging times and internal crises and was now fully prepared for the 2027 general elections. Jungudo affirmed PDP’s dedication to a seamless, smooth, and peaceful transition, stressing its adherence to the law throughout its internal conflicts.
Dr. Michael Emeriewen, representing NSCDC, underscored that elections are critical to national security, public safety, and democratic stability, necessitating professionalism, impartiality, and effective inter-agency cooperation. Emeriewen urged security agencies to ensure that citizens can exercise their constitutional rights without fear, intimidation, or violence during the 2027 electoral process.
Luka Ayedoo, chairman of the Council of Chiefs in Kwali Area Council, praised NILDS for enhancing democratic capacity and providing deeper governance insights. He commended Nigerians for their resilience and dedication to democracy, noting that the nation has continually learned and improved its democratic processes over time.
Earlier, Guest Speaker Prof. Rufai Alkali guided participants through the historical trajectory of political transitions in Nigeria since 1960. Alkali asserted that a one-party democracy is unfeasible in Nigeria, highlighting that the nation’s experience with multi-party democracy often trends toward a dominant party system rather than a single-party state. He cited the National Party of Nigeria (NPN) during the Second Republic and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during its 16-year dominance in the Fourth Republic as examples.
Alkali argued that the ruling party’s dominance results not only from its strategies but also from the internal fragmentation, leadership challenges, and organizational weaknesses of the opposition. He concluded that successful political transition in Nigeria hinges on broad coalitions and strategic elite consensus.