A leading coalition of civil society organizations has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is at a critical juncture, citing widespread voter intimidation, inflammatory political rhetoric, and growing institutional mistrust ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a public statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday to mark the International Day of Democracy, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room highlighted survey data showing that 77% of Nigerians are dissatisfied with how democracy operates, while only 23% express trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The coalition, led by convener Yunusa Ya’u, pointed to severe structural threats undermining political competition, including forced voter disenfranchisement, political thuggery, the weaponization of public office, and the reliance on ethnic and religious division during campaigns.
“Democracy is not sustained by elections alone,” the group stated, urging law enforcement agencies and election managers to enforce the Electoral Act 2026 impartially and prosecute political actors guilty of incitement or voter suppression.
While international governance monitors continue to flag declining institutional checks in Africa’s most populous democracy, the coalition noted that 64% of citizens still prefer democratic rule over any alternative.
The Situation Room called for urgent reforms to restore public confidence, stressing that the credibility of the 2027 polls depends heavily on establishing a fair, peaceful political environment long before election day.
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