Prominent Nigerian political leaders have urged the Federal Government to reform the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. The appeal was made during a high‑level panel discussion in Abuja, organized by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership. The forum, titled “Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015–2025: Gains, Gaps, and the Road Ahead,” also launched the Athena Election Observatory, an initiative that will monitor and document electoral reforms, innovations, and governance trends across Nigeria and Africa.
Among the notable panelists were 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 stressed that credible elections reflect the quality of governance and institutional integrity, urging reforms that deepen public trust and safeguard 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,” he said.
Governor Lawal linked democratic success to respect for the rule of law and accountability, asserting, “We cannot talk about democracy without the rule of law. The rule of law guarantees fairness, justice, and peace in society.” Former Minister Chidoka attributed Nigeria’s electoral challenges to weak institutions and low public confidence, emphasizing that democracy depends on institutions, not individuals. “We must ensure that the umpire is not seen as a player. Without transparency, democracy becomes a shadow of itself,” he warned.
The call for electoral reform comes as Nigeria prepares for its 2027 general elections, a process historically plagued by electoral violence, voter suppression, and disputed results. The proposed reforms aim to address these issues and strengthen the electoral system. By prioritizing such changes, Nigerian leaders hope to enhance democratic governance and ensure that the will of the people is accurately reflected in election outcomes.
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