Abuja: The Abuja School of Social and Political Thought (ASPT) and other electoral stakeholders have urged Nigerians to actively protect their votes during the 2027 general elections. They made the call in Abuja during a public hearing themed, ‘2023 Presidential Election and Preparation for the 2027 General Elections.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Executive Director of the School, Dr. Sam Amadi, stated that credible elections were the responsibility of all stakeholders, including political parties and civil society. Amadi highlighted skepticism among citizens who voted in the last elections, believing they were not free and fair. He stressed the importance of free and fair elections for peaceful government transitions.
Amadi, a former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), emphasized that credible elections would strengthen democracy and reduce the likelihood of political instability. He noted that as the largest democracy in West Africa, Nigeria should lead efforts to protect democracy amid increasing military coups on the continent.
Amadi explained that the public hearing aimed to bring together electoral officials, security agencies, political parties, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and citizens to examine challenges from the 2023 elections. He criticized the National Assembly for failing to conduct a public hearing immediately after the 2023 elections to hold key actors accountable.
On preparations for the 2027 polls, Amadi urged citizens and CSOs to shift from uncritical trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to proactive civic oversight. He advocated for citizens to audit and verify election processes and for party agents to receive adequate training and technological support. Amadi stressed that votes belonged to the electorate, not political parties or electoral bodies.
The General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Afam Okeke, stated that democracy could not be sustained merely by conducting elections. Okeke called for efforts to improve the electoral system, focusing on institutional integrity, meaningful citizen participation, and evidence-based electoral reforms.
Okeke emphasized the need for electoral institutions to be capable, independent, and adequately resourced. He stated that public confidence is built when institutions communicate clearly, act transparently, and demonstrate accountability. Okeke also highlighted the importance of including women, youths, persons with disabilities, and other groups facing barriers in electoral processes.
The Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, identified glitches during the 2023 elections and voter apathy as significant lessons. Mamedu noted that only 27 per cent of registered voters participated in the 2023 general elections, stressing the need to restore public trust in the electoral system.
Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku of the Nigerian Labour Congress Political Commission stated that the 2023 elections exposed vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s electoral system. Ndubuaku called for mandatory real-time electronic transmission of election results, operational independence of INEC, and swift prosecution of electoral offenders.