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Securing Credible Elections in 2027: What Nigerians Must Do.

Published

1 month ago

March 6, 2026

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By Amb. Anderson Osiebe.

As Nigeria gradually approaches the 2027 general elections, the conversation around credible elections has once again taken center stage.

Elections remain the most powerful instrument through which citizens express their democratic will, determine leadership, and shape the future of their nation.

However, Nigeria’s electoral history has been punctuated by concerns ranging from voter apathy and electoral violence to vote buying, manipulation of results, and declining trust in institutions.

If the 2027 elections must stand out as credible, transparent, and widely accepted, responsibility must not rest on one institution alone. It must be a collective commitment involving the electoral body, political actors, civil society, the media, and most importantly, the Nigerian electorate.

The Role of INEC.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) remains the backbone of Nigeria’s electoral system. Its preparedness, independence, and transparency will determine public confidence in the electoral process.

INEC must begin early preparations by strengthening logistics, improving voter register integrity, and ensuring that technologies introduced to improve transparency, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of results function effectively and without interference.

Equally important is the need for the commission to remain firmly independent. Electoral credibility suffers when citizens perceive the commission as being influenced by political authorities. INEC must therefore demonstrate transparency in its operations, communicate clearly with the public, and hold electoral officers accountable where misconduct occurs.

The Responsibility of the Electorate.

Nigerian voters themselves carry enormous responsibility for the credibility of elections. One of the biggest threats to Nigeria’s democracy is voter apathy. Many citizens complain about poor governance yet fail to participate actively in the electoral process.

For elections to be credible, Nigerians must first register to vote, collect their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and turn out massively on election day. Citizens must also reject vote buying, which has increasingly become a dangerous trend in Nigerian politics.

When voters exchange their votes for small amounts of money or material benefits, they inadvertently empower leaders who lack competence or accountability.

Protecting the sanctity of the ballot must therefore become a civic duty.

Political Parties and Internal Democracy.

Political parties are the gatekeepers of Nigeria’s democracy. Unfortunately, internal democracy within many parties remains weak, with candidate imposition, opaque primaries, and disregard for party members’ voices.

To secure credible elections in 2027, political parties must reform their internal processes. Transparent primaries, merit-based candidate selection, and respect for party rules will not only strengthen democracy but also produce candidates with legitimacy and credibility.

Parties must also commit to issue-based campaigns rather than ethnic or religious rhetoric that often fuels division and violence.

Candidates must uphold Democratic Values.

Political candidates themselves must see elections as a contest of ideas rather than a battle to be won at all costs. The desperation to win power at any cost often leads to electoral violence, intimidation of voters, and manipulation of the system.

Candidates should focus on presenting clear policy alternatives, engaging voters respectfully, and accepting the outcome of credible elections. When disputes arise, they must pursue legal channels rather than inciting unrest.

Leadership in a democracy must come with a deep respect for the will of the people.

The Role of Civil Society and Election Observers.

Civil society organizations and election observers play a critical role in safeguarding electoral credibility. Through voter education, independent monitoring, and public reporting, these groups help ensure transparency and accountability.

Domestic observer groups must be adequately trained and deployed nationwide, while international observers can provide additional credibility to the process. Their reports often shape global perceptions of Nigeria’s democratic progress.

However, beyond observation, civil society must intensify voter education efforts to ensure citizens understand their rights and responsibilities during elections.

The Media as a Democratic Watchdog.

The Nigerian media must continue to act as a watchdog of the electoral process. Accurate reporting, investigative journalism, and fact-checking will help expose irregularities and combat misinformation.

At the same time, the media must avoid becoming platforms for propaganda or misinformation that could inflame tensions during elections.

Responsible journalism will be crucial in ensuring that Nigerians receive credible information about candidates, policies, and electoral procedures.

Security Agencies and Electoral Integrity.

Security agencies also have a vital role to play in ensuring peaceful elections. Their duty is to protect voters, election officials, and electoral materials without intimidation or partisanship.

Professional conduct by security personnel will help create a safe environment where citizens can exercise their democratic rights without fear.

A Collective Responsibility.

Credible elections cannot be achieved through institutional reforms alone. They require a national culture that respects democratic principles and the sanctity of the ballot.

Nigeria’s democracy is still evolving, and the 2027 elections present another opportunity to strengthen public trust in the electoral system.

Every stakeholder, from electoral officials to ordinary citizens must play their part in safeguarding the integrity of the process.

If Nigerians commit collectively to transparency, accountability, and participation, the 2027 elections can mark a significant step forward for the country’s democratic journey.

Amb. Anderson Osiebe, Executive Director, HallowMace Foundation, Public Policy Expert and an Administrator Writes from Abuja – Nigeria.

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Iran slams US blockade as ‘grave violation of sovereignty’

Published

1 hour ago

April 15, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Iran slammed a US blockade around its ports on Monday as a “grave violation” of its sovereignty, as Washington and Tehran’s belligerent rhetoric rattled a fragile truce.

“The imposition of a maritime blockade constitutes a grave violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani wrote to UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, in a letter seen by AFP.

The “unlawful” blockade also “constitutes a serious violation of the fundamental principles of the international law of the sea,” Iravani added.

US President Donald Trump ordered a blockade of ships entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas in the Gulf Sunday, following the failure of peace talks over the weekend, warning that any Iranian attack boats that challenged the blockade would be destroyed.

The blockade came into force at 1400 GMT Monday, despite the United States and Iran agreeing to a two-week ceasefire days earlier, with mediator Pakistan and Gulf state Qatar continuing calls for it to be respected as diplomatic efforts continue.

Guterres on Monday called on “all parties” to respect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, after Iran and subsequently the United States blocked passage through the critical waterway.

The strait, through which a fifth of global oil and gas flows, has become a key flashpoint as the US and Iran attempt to gain leverage over each other during ceasefire negotiations.

Iravani said the “unlawful” blockade “poses a grave threat to international peace and security and obviously exacerbates the risk of escalation in an already highly volatile region.”

In a second letter, the UN envoy called on Middle Eastern countries hosting US military bases to “cease their internationally wrongful acts.”

Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan should pay “compensation for all material and moral damage sustained,” he said.

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El-Rufai distances self from comments on political aspirations attributed to associate

Published

1 hour ago

April 15, 2026

EMMANUEL AGAJI

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Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has distanced himself from recent media reports linking him to certain political aspirations, saying the comments were made without his knowledge or authorisation.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Media Adviser, Muyiwa Adekeye, El-Rufai said the remarks had been attributed to an unnamed individual described in media reports as his political associate, and that he had no hand in them.

“Malam Nasir El-Rufai wishes to dissociate himself from comments regarding political aspirations which have been attributed to someone described by the media as a political associate,” the statement read.

“He did not authorise such comments.”

The disclaimer pointedly underscored El-Rufai’s reputation for speaking his mind directly, with the statement noting that he had been known throughout his public life for the frank articulation of his views.

“He is not about to outsource the expression of his political views and thoughts to others,” the statement added, warning that any future communication from the former governor would come directly from him or through his designated spokesperson.

El-Rufai did not identify the associate in question, nor did the statement specify the nature of the political aspirations that had been reported.

However, the swift and emphatic denial suggests the former governor was keen to prevent any impression that the comments reflected his current political thinking or intentions.

JAMB declares readiness for 2026 UTME, urges parents to protest admission violations

The disclaimer comes amid heightened political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, a period in which the positions and affiliations of prominent political figures are under intense media and public scrutiny.

El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and two-term governor of Kaduna State, remains one of the most closely watched political figures in northern Nigeria.

His next political move — including which party platform he may adopt ahead of 2027 — has been a subject of widespread speculation.

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Police arrest three over theft, vandalism of Yobe TV transformer

Published

5 hours ago

April 15, 2026

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The Yobe State Police Command said its operatives have arrested three suspected vandals involved in the destruction and theft of transformer components belonging to Yobe State Television at Garin Alkali Booster Station.

The Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Dungus Abdulkarim, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Damaturu.

According to the Command, the arrest was made on April 14, 2026, by its operatives stationed in Garin Alkali while acting on credible intelligence.

“The arrested suspects are Muhammad Auwali, a.k.a. Aburare, 51, Inusa Lawan, 53, and Hassan Ibrahim, 27, all of Bursari and Gashua axis, Bade LGA. One accomplice identified as Ozu, is currently at large.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects criminally conspired and vandalised a transformer located at the YTV Booster Station, Garin Alkali, Bursari LGA.

“The suspects dismantled the transformer and sold part of the metal components”, it said.

The Command added that upon interrogation, the suspects confessed to the crime and admitted to selling some of the vandalised transformer parts to Hassan Ibrahim for the sum of N250,000, out of which N150,000 had already been paid.

“Investigation is in progress, after which the suspects will be charged in court for prosecution”, the police command said.

Commissioner of Police Usman Kamfani Jibrin, in the statement, warned scrap metal dealers against purchasing suspected stolen items and urged them to cooperate with security agencies in protecting critical public infrastructure.

He stressed that anyone found involved in such unlawful activities will be dealt with in accordance with extant laws.