A non-profit organization, YIAGA Africa, has expressed concern that the upcoming 2027 general elections in Nigeria may be the most compromised and expensive in the country’s history. This warning was issued by the organization’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, during an appearance on Channels Television’s program, Politics Today.

Itodo’s comments centered on the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the current state of elections in Nigeria. He emphasized the need for careful management of the electoral process to prevent potential complications. According to Itodo, the level of trust among citizens in the electoral process is currently at its lowest point.

The impending exit of INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmoud, who has been in office for ten years, is expected to create a vacuum. Itodo questioned whether a new chairman would have sufficient time to settle into the role before the 2027 elections, given the timing of the appointment. Additionally, several commissioners are scheduled to leave their positions next year, while others will depart on the eve of the elections, further highlighting the significance of the situation.

The 2027 general elections are likely to be closely watched, both domestically and internationally, due to the potential implications for Nigeria’s democratic process. As the country prepares for these elections, the concerns raised by YIAGA Africa underscore the importance of ensuring the integrity and transparency of the electoral process. With the elections still over a year away, the coming months will be crucial in determining the course of Nigeria’s democratic development.