By The Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa has warned that the forthcoming 2027 general elections in Nigeria may lack credibility if worsening insecurity, economic hardship, and weak institutional processes are not urgently addressed.
In a statement issued on Sunday, April 19, the organisation shifted attention from routine election preparations to the broader conditions shaping democratic outcomes, stressing that credible polls cannot be achieved in an atmosphere of fear, poverty, and institutional distrust.
“Nigeria cannot afford another electoral cycle marred by irregularities, hate-speech, and loss of public trust,” CAPPA stated, noting that the legitimacy of the elections would depend on the willingness of political actors and state institutions to uphold the rule of law.
The group called on the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to begin early and deliberate preparations, but emphasised that technical readiness alone would not guarantee credible elections without public confidence and safety.
CAPPA cautioned against the growing influence of money in politics, warning that vote-buying and the dominance of powerful interests continue to undermine democratic integrity. It also faulted internal processes within political parties, noting that there is a link between weak internal democracy and broader electoral instability.
In addition to electoral issues, the organisation identified insecurity as a major threat to democratic participation, noting that persistent killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks across the country could discourage voter turnout and weaken trust in the system.
“It is deeply troubling that senseless killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks persist across various parts of the country, despite the enormous public resources committed annually to security,” the group said, adding that the normalisation of ransom payments reflects a failure of state protection.
CAPPA also argued that rising inflation, unemployment, and declining purchasing power could further alienate citizens from the democratic process. It noted that recent fiscal policies, including fuel subsidy removal, have yet to translate into tangible relief for ordinary Nigerians.
“While fiscal reforms are often necessary, they must not come at the expense of the most vulnerable,” the organisation stated, urging government to ensure that economic policies are people-centred and transparently implemented.
The group concluded that without urgent reforms across security, economic management, and institutional governance, the 2027 elections risk deepening public disillusionment rather than strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
