Ebenezer Adurokiya, Reporting
THE Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is facing serious threats ahead of the 2027 General Elections, citing rising voter intimidation, inflammatory political rhetoric, electoral violence and alleged abuse of public office.
The warning was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, 15 September, to mark the International Day of Democracy.
The Situation Room said the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend not only on what happens on election day, but also on the political environment, the conduct of political actors, the preparedness and independence of democratic institutions, and safeguards established in the months leading up to the polls.
“Rising voter intimidation, inflammatory political rhetoric, electoral violence, abuse of public office, and the apparent failure of institutions to hold powerful political actors accountable are posing serious threats to the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy,” the group said.
The civil society coalition cited recent public opinion surveys and international governance assessments which, it said, presented a concerning picture of democracy and governance in Nigeria.
According to the group, Afrobarometer reported that 77 per cent of Nigerians were dissatisfied with the way democracy was working, while trust in key democratic institutions remained low, with only 23 per cent expressing trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
However, the Situation Room stressed that the figures did not mean Nigerians had rejected democracy.
It said 64 per cent of Nigerians continued to prefer democracy to any other form of government, arguing that the country’s challenge was more about “democratic delivery, institutional trust and accountability” than citizens’ support for democratic rule.
The group also referred to international governance assessments, saying the V-Dem Institute classifies Nigeria as an “Electoral Autocracy”, citing concerns about political competition, institutional checks and democratic freedoms.
It further noted that the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance ranked Nigeria 33rd out of 54 African countries in its 2024 Index, compared with 30th previously.
“Taken together, these findings demonstrate a widening gap between citizens’ expectations of democracy and their experience of it,” the Situation Room said.
It added that Nigerians continued to value democratic government but were increasingly dissatisfied with its performance and distrustful of institutions expected to protect their rights.
Concerns Over Political Environment
The Situation Room said democracy could not be sustained through elections alone, arguing that it also required the rule of law, respect for fundamental rights, accountable institutions, political tolerance and citizens’ freedom to make choices without fear or coercion.
It expressed concern over what it described as a deterioration in Nigeria’s political environment in recent months, alleging that hostile rhetoric, threats, intimidation and violence were being used to suppress opposition and constrain political participation.
The group also cited the recent governorship election in Osun State, saying it had raised concerns about intimidation and violence, including reports of threats and coercion involving high-ranking political officeholders.
“When individuals entrusted with public authority become associated with conduct that undermines democratic participation, the consequences extend beyond individual incidents. They erode confidence in the political system itself,” it said.
The Situation Room identified six critical threats requiring urgent attention: institutional failure and a culture of impunity; voter intimidation and inflammatory political rhetoric; forced disenfranchisement and threats of displacement; alleged weaponisation of public office; the use of ethnicity and religion for political mobilisation; and political thuggery, obstruction and voter suppression.
Call For Stronger Institutions
The coalition called on institutions responsible for protecting democracy, including INEC, security agencies, prosecutorial authorities and the Judiciary, to demonstrate greater independence and effectiveness in responding to alleged violations.
It warned that delayed or inconclusive responses to allegations involving electoral offences, incitement, intimidation or violence could contribute to a culture of impunity.
“Credible allegations must be investigated impartially, transparently and expeditiously. Where wrongdoing is established, the law must be applied without fear or favour,” it said.
The group also expressed concern about alleged threats against citizens because of their political choices, including threats relating to physical safety, livelihoods and displacement.
It condemned reports alleging that citizens had been threatened with being forced to leave their communities if they did not vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), describing such conduct as an assault on constitutional rights and freedoms.
The Situation Room further raised concerns over reports that elected local government officials had allegedly been threatened with removal unless they delivered electoral victories for particular political interests.
“Government appointments, removals, administrative powers and public resources must never be deployed to compel political loyalty or secure electoral advantage,” it said.
Ethnicity, Religion And Political Violence
The coalition also warned against the increasing use of ethnic and religious identity in political mobilisation.
“Elections must be contests of ideas, policies, competence and public accountability – not struggles for demographic dominance or exclusion,” it said.
It urged political leaders, religious and traditional authorities, the media and other influential voices to promote peaceful coexistence and equal citizenship.
On political violence, the group said reports of thuggery, attacks on political opponents, obstruction of candidates and intimidation of voters raised questions about the effectiveness and impartiality of security arrangements.
It called for candidates and citizens to be protected equally, regardless of their political affiliation or status.
CSOs Issue National Call Ahead Of 2027
The Situation Room said Nigeria could not afford to approach the 2027 General Elections as “business as usual”.
“The credibility of an election is built long before the first ballot is cast,” it said, adding that citizens must be able to participate, campaign, vote and express their political preferences without intimidation.
It called for urgent action in five areas: enforcement of electoral laws and prosecution of violations; neutrality of public institutions; protection of fundamental rights and civic freedoms; accountability for political parties and leaders; and stronger institutional accountability and electoral preparedness.
The coalition said it would intensify its monitoring of Nigeria’s political and electoral environment ahead of the 2027 elections.
Its monitoring and advocacy activities, it said, would focus on electoral preparedness and institutional performance; political party commitments and the conduct of political actors; campaign financing and alleged abuse of public resources; electoral violence, intimidation and hate speech; misinformation and disinformation; citizen participation and civic freedoms; and the independence, impartiality and accountability of institutions responsible for the electoral process.
“We will continue to provide citizens with credible information, promote public dialogue and demand accountability from those entrusted with public authority,” the group said.
