A civil society group has warned against any attempt to manipulate or predetermine the outcome of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, as stakeholders continue to raise concerns over the credibility of the electoral process.
The Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Assembly, the judiciary and other stakeholders to ensure that Nigerians are allowed to freely choose their leaders through a transparent and credible process.
The group said the electoral process must restore public confidence and prevent fear, intimidation, vote buying and other forms of manipulation from determining election outcomes.
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The concerns come amid a wider debate over whether Nigerians’ votes will genuinely count in the 2027 elections.
Civil society activists and other stakeholders have said confidence in the polls will depend on stronger electoral safeguards, institutional accountability and the willingness of citizens to participate and peacefully protect their votes.
Some stakeholders have also urged INEC to learn from the challenges recorded during the 2023 elections, particularly issues surrounding electoral technology, logistics and the transmission and management of results.
They called for INEC to test its systems thoroughly and operate transparently, while urging security agencies to remain neutral and protect voters and the electoral process rather than political interests.
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Nigerians have also been encouraged to register, collect their Permanent Voter Cards, vote according to their conscience and reject inducement and intimidation.
Stakeholders say political parties and candidates must focus on issues, policies and competence rather than violence, financial inducement or desperation for power.
As the 2027 general elections approach, the groups maintain that credible elections will require not only effective institutions, but also active and vigilant citizens who are willing to participate peacefully and defend the integrity of their votes.
By Akiogbe Oreoluwa