Ahead of the 2027 elections, stakeholders have expressed concern over eroding electoral integrity in the country.
The stakeholders stated this on Tuesday in Abuja at a-two day Policy Dialogue on Nigeria’s Triple Challenge: Civic Space, Poverty, and Electoral Integrity organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), and Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative, WRAPA, with support from MacArthur Foundation.
A traditional ruler, Sarkin Yakin Gagi, the District Head of Gagi in Sokoto, Alhaji Sani Jabbi, said without corresponding investment in security, Nigeria may not experience credible elections.
His words: “We can’t have credible elections in 2027 because the election is about the opportunity for everyone to come and choose their leaders.
“When there is a segment of society being sidelined because of insecurity, because of different forces when they are denied access to the right to vote, I think it is not justice.
“So, for us to ensure credible and transparent elections there is a need for heavy investment in the security agencies so that they can reach all the nooks and crannies to ensure that the citizens are safe and all the voting points are safe and citizens can have access to go confidently and choose leaders.”;
Also, the Executive Director of the Centre, Monday Osasah, said with approximately 133 million Nigerians experiencing multidimensional poverty, the country faces significant development challenges.
He noted: “The recent elections have raised concerns about electoral integrity, and restrictions on civic engagement threaten our democratic progress. These issues are interconnected and demand a comprehensive response.”;
Osasah said the objective of the dialogue was to examine research findings, share stakeholder insights, and develop a robust programming framework with informed policy recommendations.
He added that together they can create a roadmap for addressing Nigeria’s triple challenge and promoting sustainable development, democratic governance, and human well-being.”;
