The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has warned of escalating threats to Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 General Elections, citing voter intimidation, electoral violence, inflammatory political rhetoric and abuse of public office. The group also raised concerns over the alleged failure of democratic institutions to hold powerful political actors……
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has warned of escalating threats to Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 General Elections, citing voter intimidation, electoral violence, inflammatory political rhetoric and abuse of public office.
The group also raised concerns over the alleged failure of democratic institutions to hold powerful political actors accountable, warning that the situation could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections.
In a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, May to mark the 2026 International Day of Democracy, the Situation Room said Nigeria was entering a decisive phase ahead of the elections.
The Press Conference was chaired by Yunusa Z. Ya’u, Convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, and Co-Conveners Mma Odi and Celestine Odo.
It said the credibility of the 2027 polls would depend not only on what happens on election day but also on the political environment, conduct of political actors and the preparedness and independence of democratic institutions.
The Situation Room said, “The credibility of those elections will not be determined by election day alone.”
According to the Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Yunusa Z. Ya’u, Nigerians still value democracy despite growing dissatisfaction with its performance.
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It cited Afrobarometer findings showing that 77% of Nigerians are dissatisfied with the way democracy is working, while only 23% expressed trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
However, the Situation Room noted that 64% of Nigerians still prefer democracy to any other form of government.
It said the figures point to a crisis of democratic delivery, institutional trust and accountability rather than a rejection of democracy itself.
The group also referenced the V-Dem Institute’s classification of Nigeria as an Electoral Autocracy and the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance, which ranked Nigeria 33rd out of 54 African countries in its 2024 index, compared with 30th previously.
The Situation Room said the developments had created a widening gap between citizens’ expectations of democracy and their experience of it.
“Democracy is not sustained by elections alone,” the group said, stressing that it also depends on the rule of law, respect for fundamental rights, accountable institutions, political tolerance and citizens’ freedom to make choices without fear or coercion.
The Situation Room also expressed concern over the political environment in recent months, saying political rhetoric had become increasingly hostile, while threats, intimidation and violence were being used to suppress opposition and restrict political participation.
It cited the recently concluded Osun State Governorship Election, saying it raised concerns over intimidation and violence, including reports of threats and coercion involving high-ranking political officeholders.
The group warned that when public officials are associated with conduct that undermines democratic participation, it could erode confidence in the political system.
It identified six major threats requiring urgent action: institutional failure and impunity; voter intimidation and inflammatory rhetoric; forced disenfranchisement and threats of displacement; weaponisation of public office; weaponisation of ethnicity and religion; and political thuggery, obstruction and voter suppression.
On alleged threats to citizens to “vote APC or leave the community,” the Situation Room said such conduct, if established, would amount to a serious violation of citizens’ constitutional rights.
“The right to vote belongs to the citizen. It is not a privilege granted by a political party, local government chairman, governor or any other public official,” it said.
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The group also condemned reported threats to remove elected local government officials unless they deliver electoral victories for particular political interests.
It said public appointments, administrative powers and public resources must not be used to compel political loyalty or secure electoral advantage.
“Public office is a responsibility to serve citizens-not an instrument for political control,” the Situation Room said.
The civil society coalition called on INEC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other relevant authorities to enforce electoral laws impartially and prosecute violations.
It said threats against voters, incitement to violence, voter suppression and obstruction of lawful political participation must attract appropriate sanctions.
The group also called on federal and state governments to guarantee a level playing field for political parties, candidates and citizens.
It urged authorities to protect citizens’ rights to freedom of movement, peaceful assembly, association, expression and political participation.
Political parties and leaders were also urged to reject intimidation, political violence, hate speech and the weaponisation of ethnicity and religion.
The Situation Room further called for stronger electoral preparedness and institutional accountability ahead of the 2027 polls.
The group said it would intensify monitoring of Nigeria’s political and electoral environment ahead of the elections and work with citizens, civil society organisations, democratic institutions, the media and other stakeholders to identify emerging threats.
Its monitoring will focus on electoral preparedness, political party conduct, campaign financing, abuse of public resources, electoral violence, intimidation, hate speech, misinformation, disinformation and the protection of civic freedoms.
The Situation Room said it would continue to provide citizens with credible information, promote public dialogue and demand accountability from public officials.
The group stated that the 2027 elections must represent an improvement in the quality, credibility, transparency and inclusiveness of Nigeria’s electoral process.
“Nigeria deserves elections that citizens can trust,” it said.
“Nigeria deserves political leaders who respect the people’s mandate. Nigeria deserves institutions that protect democracy, not partisan political interests.”
