As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, Yiaga Africa has called on the National Assembly to expedite the amendment of the Electoral Act currently before it. The call was made during the launch of the “State of Electoral Integrity in Nigeria” report and a stakeholder reflection roundtable held in Abuja on Friday.
The event brought together election experts, civil society organizations, academics, and other key stakeholders to reflect on the current state of electoral integrity in Nigeria and advocate for urgent reforms.
In his keynote address, Samson Itodo, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, stressed the importance of concluding the electoral reform process well ahead of the 2027 elections.
“The timely conclusion of the reform process is critical. The National Assembly set a timeline for this but has failed to meet its own deadline,” Itodo said. “The current state of our electoral process is fragile because relevant actors have failed to take meaningful steps to strengthen it.”
He warned that without urgent intervention, the 2027 elections may face serious disruptions stemming from deepening poverty, insecurity, misinformation, and low public trust.
“Due to economic hardship, the 2027 elections could become the most monetized in Nigeria’s history,” he added. “Vote-buying, especially through food inducement is a real threat to electoral credibility.”
The report indicates a significant decline in public confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) since the 2023 general elections, worsened by off-cycle polls in states like Kogi and Edo.
“Trust in the electoral process has plummeted. Citizens no longer believe in the fairness of the system,” Itodo said.
Responding to these concerns, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, assured stakeholders that the National Assembly is working to finalize the reforms.
“We’ve asked all committees to submit their reports. We are preparing for the first and second readings of the bill,” Balogun said
Commending Yiaga Africa for its commitment to democratic advocacy, he noted that “This report is a call to action. Strengthening electoral trust is essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic future.”
Highlights of the Event
The high point of the event was the official public launch of the “State of Electoral Integrity in Nigeria” report, which is the product of extensive research and collaboration. Contributors included prominent electoral experts such as Prof. Sam Egwu, Safiya Bichi, Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu, and Dr. Hussaini Abdu, Chair of Yiaga Africa’s Board. Including former INEC officials, scholars, civil society leaders, and media actors, making the report a robust and inclusive reflection of the electoral ecosystem.
Strategic Recommendations from the Report
To address Nigeria’s declining electoral integrity, the report proposes the following:
- Timely amendment of the Electoral Act to allow for electronic transmission of results, early voting, diaspora and in-prison voting;
- Establishment of an Electoral Offences Commission and a Political Party Regulatory Commission;
- Strengthening INEC’s independence, stakeholder communication, and internal capacity;
- Judicial reforms to enhance the electoral dispute resolution process;
- Greater inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in electoral processes;
- Stronger legal and operational frameworks to curb vote buying, disinformation, and cyber threats;
- Improved electoral security coordination, especially in conflict-prone areas.
“We cannot teach our way into electoral integrity,” Itodo cautioned. “Technology is helpful, but it cannot replace trust, transparency, and institutional credibility.”
Panel Discussion: Rebuilding Electoral Trust
The panel discussion, chaired by Dr. Hussaini Abdu, featured a distinguished lineup including Prof. Sam Egwu, INEC Commissioner (Benue State); Ene Obi, former Country Director ActionAid Nigeria; and Dr. Solomon Agbonhulu, Associate Professor of Law.
Panelists explored strategies to safeguard electoral integrity amidst rising political opportunism, misinformation, and institutional frailties. There was a shared consensus that Nigeria’s democratic decline could only be reversed through coordinated, multi-stakeholder efforts.
“INEC alone cannot fix electoral integrity,” said Prof. Egwu. “Political parties, the judiciary, civil society, and the electorate must all work together to protect our democracy.”
