Stakeholders in Nigeria’s electoral process have called for stronger collaboration among the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties, the media, civil society and voters to ensure credible, peaceful and transparent 2027 general elections.
The call was made at an interactive engagement on the forthcoming elections, where the European Union (EU), the National Assembly and the Nigeria Police Force highlighted the need for institutional preparedness, adherence to electoral laws and greater public confidence in the democratic process.
Representing the Inspector-General of Police, the AIG Police Mobile Force, Alinyenu Idu, said the Nigeria Police had continued to draw on its long institutional experience in managing elections and security challenges.
He said the police were committed to regulating their activities around elections, particularly during the pre-election period, while ensuring that their constitutional responsibilities as guardians of social harmony were effectively discharged.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot said the 2027 elections would provide a crucial opportunity to reaffirm the strength of Nigeria’s democracy and give elected leaders the popular legitimacy required to govern.
He described INEC’s responsibility as “Herculean”, urging all stakeholders to support the commission, including by ensuring adequate funding for the conduct of the elections.
He said the EU would deploy an electoral mission comprising experts to monitor the run-up to the elections, the conduct of the polls and their immediate aftermath.
The EU representative also urged stakeholders to prevent electoral violence, combat misinformation and promote peaceful political expression, stressing that the media had a critical role in providing accurate information and debunking fake news.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on INEC and Electoral Matters, Senator Simon Lalong, said continuous dialogue among electoral stakeholders was essential to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Lalong reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to improving the country’s electoral framework and institutions, while urging political parties and candidates to respect electoral rules and promote issue-based campaigns.
He also tasked the media with accurate and responsible reporting to counter misinformation and strengthen public confidence in democratic institutions.
Similarly, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, Hon. Adebayo Balogun, urged INEC to take decisive action where necessary to enforce electoral laws and court judgments.
Balogun specifically referenced disputes surrounding Section 225A of the Constitution and said the House had written INEC to enforce the Supreme Court judgment on Section 74 of the Electoral Act.
Leave a Reply