Nigeria’s Democracy Under Threat As 2027 Polls Near, CSOs Raise Alarm

The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is facing growing threats ahead of the 2027 general elections, citing voter intimidation, political violence, inflammatory rhetoric, abuse of public office and weakening public confidence in democratic institutions.

The group issued the warning on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, to mark the International Day of Democracy, saying the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend not only on what happens on election day but also on the political environment and institutional preparedness in the months preceding the polls.

According to the Situation Room, recent public opinion surveys paint a troubling picture of Nigerians’ experience with democracy. It cited Afrobarometer findings showing that 77 per cent of Nigerians are dissatisfied with the way democracy is working, while only 23 per cent expressed trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The group, however, stressed that Nigerians had not rejected democracy, noting that 64 per cent still preferred democratic government to any other form of government. It said the figures instead reflected a crisis of democratic delivery, institutional trust and accountability.

The Situation Room also cited the V-Dem Institute’s classification of Nigeria as an “Electoral Autocracy” and the country’s 33rd position out of 54 countries in the 2024 Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance as further indications of concerns over the country’s democratic and governance trajectory.

It warned that the situation had become more worrying with the approaching 2027 elections, particularly amid what it described as increasingly hostile political rhetoric, threats, intimidation and violence against political opponents and citizens.

The group specifically referenced concerns arising from the recent governorship election in Osun State, including allegations of intimidation, violence, threats and coercion involving high-ranking political officeholders.

It identified six major threats to Nigeria’s democracy: institutional failure and impunity; voter intimidation and inflammatory political rhetoric; forced disenfranchisement and threats of displacement; weaponisation of public office; weaponisation of ethnicity and religion; and political thuggery, obstruction and voter suppression.

The civil society coalition called on INEC, security agencies, prosecutorial authorities and the judiciary to demonstrate greater independence and effectiveness in addressing alleged electoral offences, intimidation, incitement and violence.

It warned that failure to investigate and prosecute credible allegations, particularly where politically influential individuals are involved, could entrench a culture of impunity.

The Situation Room also condemned alleged threats against citizens over their political choices, including reports of directives allegedly asking residents to vote for the ruling All Progressives Congress or leave their communities.

It described such threats as a grave violation of citizens’ constitutional rights, insisting that no Nigerian should have to choose between exercising their political rights and protecting their lives, livelihoods or homes.

The group further warned against the use of government appointments, removals, administrative powers and public resources to compel political loyalty or influence electoral outcomes.

On ethnic and religious mobilisation, it urged political leaders, traditional and religious authorities, the media and other influential actors to promote tolerance and inclusion, stressing that elections should be contests based on ideas, competence, policies and accountability.

The Situation Room also demanded improved security arrangements to prevent political thuggery, attacks on candidates and voter suppression, insisting that security agencies must protect all political actors and citizens equally, regardless of political affiliation or status.

Calling for urgent national action, the group said Nigeria could not afford to approach the 2027 elections as “business as usual.”

It demanded strict enforcement of electoral laws, neutrality of public institutions, protection of civic freedoms, accountability for political parties and leaders, and stronger institutional preparedness ahead of the elections.

The Situation Room said it would intensify monitoring of Nigeria’s political and electoral environment ahead of 2027, with particular attention to electoral preparedness, campaign financing, abuse of public resources, electoral violence, hate speech, misinformation, citizen participation and the independence of institutions responsible for conducting elections.

It added that it would continue to provide credible information, promote public dialogue and demand accountability from public officials as Nigeria prepares for the next general elections.