Nigerian Leaders Call for Electoral Reform Ahead of 2027 General Elections
A group of prominent political leaders in Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to reform the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the 2027 general elections. The call, made during a high-level panel discussion in Abuja, aims to restore public trust and enhance electoral credibility. The discussion, hosted by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, focused on “Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015–2025: Gains, Gaps, and the Road Ahead.”
The event featured the launch of the Athena Election Observatory, an initiative that will monitor and document electoral reforms, innovations, and governance trends in Nigeria and across Africa. Notable panellists included Anambra State Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, and former Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka.
Prof. Soludo emphasized the importance of credible elections in reflecting the quality of governance and institutional integrity. He noted that reforms should focus on deepening public trust and institutional independence. “The critical question is how we can make our institutions work. We have made some progress, but we still have a long way to go in building trust in the process,” Soludo said.
Governor Lawal linked democratic success to respect for the rule of law and accountability in governance. “We cannot talk about democracy without the rule of law. The rule of law guarantees fairness, justice, and peace in society,” he stated. Former Minister Chidoka attributed Nigeria’s electoral challenges to weak institutions and low public confidence, emphasizing that institutions, not individuals, make democracy work. “We must ensure that the umpire is not seen as a player. Without transparency, democracy becomes a shadow of itself,” Chidoka said.
The call for electoral reform comes as Nigeria prepares for its next general elections in 2027. The country has faced challenges in conducting credible elections, with issues such as electoral violence, voter suppression, and disputed results. The proposed reforms aim to address these challenges and strengthen the electoral process. By prioritizing electoral reform, Nigerian leaders hope to enhance the country’s democratic governance and ensure that the will of the people is reflected in the electoral outcome.