The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has raised concerns over what it describes as growing threats to Nigeria’s democratic progress ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group expressed concern over voter intimidation, inflammatory political rhetoric, electoral violence, abuse of public office, political thuggery, voter suppression and the alleged weaponisation of ethnicity and religion for political advantage.
Speaking at a press conference to mark the International Day of Democracy, the Situation Room said Nigeria was entering a decisive phase ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that the credibility of the polls would depend on more than activities on election day.
According to the group, the political environment, conduct of political parties and actors, preparedness and independence of democratic institutions, as well as safeguards established in the months leading to the elections, would determine whether Nigerians could trust the electoral process.
The Situation Room cited an Afrobarometer survey which found that 77 percent of Nigerians are dissatisfied with the way democracy is working, while 64 percent still believe democracy is preferable to any other form of government.
It said the figures demonstrate that Nigerians have not rejected democracy but are increasingly dissatisfied with its performance and the institutions expected to protect their rights.
The group also referenced international assessments, including Freedom House’s classification of Nigeria as an electoral autocracy and the 2024 Mo Ibrahim Index, which ranked Nigeria 33rd out of 54 African countries.
The Situation Room identified institutional failure and a culture of impunity as among the major threats to Nigeria’s democracy.
It called on security agencies, electoral authorities and the judiciary to demonstrate greater independence and effectiveness in investigating allegations of electoral offences, intimidation, incitement and violence, particularly where politically influential individuals are involved.
The group also condemned reports of citizens allegedly being threatened because of their political choices.
It said no Nigerian should have to choose between exercising a constitutional right and securing their safety, livelihood or freedom.
The Situation Room further condemned reports of directives allegedly threatening citizens to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave their communities.
It described such conduct, if established, as a serious assault on citizens’ constitutional rights and freedoms.
According to the group, the right to vote belongs to citizens and cannot be made conditional on political loyalty.
It also warned against the use of ethnicity and religion as tools of political mobilisation, saying elections should be contests based on ideas, policies, competence and public accountability rather than demographic dominance or exclusion.
On political thuggery and voter suppression, the group called for security agencies to ensure equal protection for candidates, political parties and citizens irrespective of their political affiliation or status.
Calls for Action
The Situation Room urged relevant authorities to enforce electoral laws impartially and prosecute violations, including threats against voters, voter suppression, violence and obstruction of lawful political participation.
It also called for neutrality of public institutions, insisting that government institutions, security agencies and public resources must not be deployed to favour incumbent political interests or disadvantage opposition parties and candidates.
The group urged authorities to protect fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, peaceful assembly, association, expression and political participation.
Political parties and their leaders were also asked to publicly reject intimidation, political violence and hate speech, while ensuring that their members and supporters are held accountable for violations.
The Situation Room further called for stronger institutional accountability and improved electoral preparedness ahead of the 2027 elections.
Civil Society Monitoring
The group said it would intensify monitoring of Nigeria’s political and electoral environment as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
It said its monitoring would focus on electoral preparedness, institutional performance, conduct of political actors, campaign financing, abuse of public resources, electoral violence, intimidation, hate speech, misinformation and disinformation, civic participation and the independence and accountability of institutions responsible for the electoral process.
The Situation Room said it would continue to provide citizens with credible information, promote public dialogue and demand accountability from those entrusted with public authority.
Concluding its statement, the group said the International Day of Democracy should serve as a national call to action rather than merely a commemoration.
It stressed that democracy is a right belonging to citizens and must be protected through responsible institutions and active citizen participation.
The group called on political leaders, public officials, electoral institutions, security agencies, the judiciary, political parties, the media, civil society organisations and citizens to make clear and measurable commitments to protecting Nigeria’s democracy.
It said Nigeria deserves elections that citizens can trust, political leaders who respect the citizens’ mandate and institutions that protect democracy rather than partisan interests.
The Situation Room said the road to 2027 starts now.