By Gabriel Ameh
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has raised the alarm over growing threats to Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group warned that voter intimidation, electoral violence, political thuggery, abuse of public office, voter suppression and inflammatory rhetoric could undermine public confidence in the elections if left unchecked.
It also expressed concern over the alleged use of ethnicity and religion as political weapons, urging political actors to focus on ideas, policies, competence and accountability rather than identity-based mobilisation.
The Situation Room raised the concerns on Monday at a press conference to mark the International Day of Democracy.
According to the group, Nigeria is already entering a critical phase ahead of the 2027 elections, stressing that the credibility of the polls will not depend solely on what happens on election day.
It said the conduct of political parties and their supporters, the preparedness and independence of democratic institutions, the political environment and safeguards put in place before the elections would all determine whether Nigerians can trust the electoral process.
Nigerians Still Prefer Democracy
The Situation Room cited an Afrobarometer survey which found that 77 percent of Nigerians are dissatisfied with the way democracy is working in the country.
However, 64 percent still said democracy is preferable to any other form of government.
The group said the figures show that Nigerians have not abandoned democracy but are increasingly frustrated by its performance and by the institutions expected to protect their rights.
It 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 weakness and a culture of impunity as major threats to the country’s democratic development.
Warning Over Voter Intimidation
The group called on security agencies, electoral authorities and the judiciary to act independently and effectively when investigating allegations of electoral offences, intimidation, incitement and violence.
It particularly urged authorities to ensure that politically influential individuals are not shielded from accountability.
The Situation Room also condemned reports of citizens allegedly being threatened because of their political choices.
It said Nigerians should not be forced to choose between exercising their constitutional right to vote and protecting their safety, livelihood or freedom.
The group further referred to reports of alleged directives threatening citizens to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) or leave their communities.
It described such conduct, if established, as a serious violation of citizens’ constitutional rights and freedoms.
According to the Situation Room, the right to vote belongs to citizens and must never be made conditional on political loyalty.
‘Stop Using Ethnicity, Religion to Divide Nigerians’
The civil society coalition also warned political actors against exploiting ethnic and religious differences for electoral advantage.
It said elections should be about competing ideas, policies, competence and accountability rather than demographic dominance or exclusion.
On political thuggery and voter suppression, the group urged security agencies to provide equal protection for candidates, political parties and citizens regardless of their political affiliation.
Calls for Action
The Situation Room called for the impartial enforcement of electoral laws and prosecution of violations, including voter intimidation, suppression, violence and obstruction of lawful political participation.
It also demanded greater neutrality from public institutions.
According to the group, government institutions, security agencies and public resources must not be used to favour incumbent political interests or undermine opposition parties and candidates.
It urged authorities to protect citizens’ fundamental rights, including freedom of movement, peaceful assembly, association, expression and political participation.
Political parties and their leaders were also urged to publicly reject intimidation, political violence and hate speech while holding their members and supporters accountable for violations.
The group further called for stronger institutional accountability and improved electoral preparedness ahead of 2027.
Civil Society Steps Up Monitoring
The Situation Room said it would intensify its monitoring of Nigeria’s political and electoral environment as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.
Its monitoring, it said, will cover electoral preparedness, institutional performance, campaign financing, abuse of public resources, electoral violence, voter intimidation, hate speech, misinformation and disinformation, civic participation and the independence of institutions responsible for the electoral process.
The group said it would continue to provide citizens with credible information, promote public dialogue and demand accountability from public officials.
It said the International Day of Democracy should serve as a national call to action rather than simply a day of commemoration.
The Situation Room urged 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 people’s mandate and institutions that protect democracy rather than partisan interests.
For the Situation Room, the road to 2027 starts now.
