What does it mean for a democracy when electoral outcomes are increasingly decided by courts instead of citizens? As the dust from Nigeria’s 2023 general elections settles, new challenges emerge—ranging from legal interventions in leadership appointments to early campaign maneuvering ahead of 2027.
This edition of The Ballot takes a closer look at key developments shaping Nigeria’s political and electoral landscape. From the European Union’s call for ballots to prevail over legal battles, to the controversial removal and replacement of electoral officials in Rivers State, and questions surrounding legitimacy within party leadership structures, it is clear that the path to 2027 is already under construction.
With INEC calling for regional collaboration and political actors facing criticism for prioritizing campaigns over governance, we explore the implications of these actions on democratic stability. Dive in to understand the forces reshaping electoral integrity in Nigeria and the region.