The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) has called on political parties, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to thoroughly review the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) election guidelines ahead of the 2027 general elections. This move is aimed at ensuring the credibility of the electoral process.

According to PAACA, a significant proportion of election-related crimes are committed by politicians, with approximately 90% of such incidents attributed to them. The centre emphasized the importance of empowering citizens with accurate information to prevent manipulation. By doing so, citizens can make informed decisions and participate in the electoral process with confidence.

PAACA’s appeal comes on the heels of an event held in Sokoto, in collaboration with the Federal Government and the MacArthur Foundation. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to engage with INEC’s guidelines and review the electoral process. INEC’s Resident Electoral Commissioner in Sokoto State, Umar Yusuf Garba, represented by Abdullahi Sale Dawa, underscored the significance of the event in deepening understanding of electoral processes.

The Sokoto State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Alhaji Babangida Kurfi, also commended the timeliness of the event, which allowed stakeholders to reflect on electoral reforms, build on successes, and identify areas for improvement. PAACA’s initiative is expected to contribute to the conduct of free and fair elections in 2027.

As the 2027 general elections approach, the Centre’s call to action serves as a reminder of the need for stakeholders to familiarize themselves with INEC’s guidelines. By doing so, they can play a critical role in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. The success of this endeavour will depend on the collective efforts of citizens, political parties, and civil society organizations to promote transparency and accountability in the electoral process.