2027 polls: 50% Nigerians lack confidence in INEC — GoNigeria

…Says electoral reform urgent, unavoidable
By Dapo Akinrefon

AHEAD of the 2027 general elections, Conveners of GoNigeria, yesterday, stated that credible electoral reform remains urgent and unavoidable.

It also called for the strengthening of public confidence in the electoral process.

GoNigeria, in a statement titled ‘Electoral reform and the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic future’, by its convener, Mr Atedo Peterside and 24 others, noted that electoral reforms, judicial reforms and freedom of speech, among others, are critical for Nigeria’s democracy.

The group, however, lamented that surveys have shown that less than 50 percent of Nigerians have confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The statement reads: “Four pillars are critical for Nigeria’s democracy: electoral reform, judicial reform, freedom of speech, and the security of life and property. These pillars are the practical guardrails required for a democracy that is durable and productive.

“Among these pillars, electoral reform is foundational. Elections do not simply select leaders; they determine whether power is accepted as legitimate, whether institutions are trusted, and whether governance will be effective. Where elections are credible, authority is strengthened.

“This understanding was clearly articulated by the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee, whose recommendations emphasised independence of the electoral body, transparency, credible dispute resolution, and firm enforcement of electoral rules.

“Subsequent reforms centered on the adoption of digital tools, including biometric voter registration, Permanent Voters’ Cards, and electronic accreditation. These innovations reflected institutional intent and public demand: technology as a guardrail against manipulation and a basis for public confidence.

“That intent reached its apex in 2015, widely regarded as a benchmark for our democracy. Progress, however, proved fragile and post 2019 and 2023 elections, public trust has regressed due to uneven use of technology, weak enforcement and increased reliance on courts to determine electoral outcomes.

“Today, surveys indicate that less than 50 per cent of Nigerians have confidence in the electoral commission, with distrust deepest in the South-South and South-East. Among young Nigerians, nearly three-quarters of those aged 18 to 35 report a lack of trust in the system’s ability to deliver free and fair elections. These figures signal a serious democratic fault line beyond reputational concerns.

“The costs of a weak electoral system are profound, increased violence, unaccountable governments and compromised institutions. Nigeria confronts a clear democratic risk. The persistent review of electoral laws, the growing demand for transparency, and declining public confidence all point to the conclusion that credible electoral reform is urgent and unavoidable.

“For instance, concerns about the potential for administrative discretion by electoral officers to permit manual transmission of results in the event of network failure can be addressed with clear operational guidelines, stronger safeguards, and transparent procedures that ensure technology remains a tool for accountability.

“Following the assent to the Electoral Act 2026, attention must now turn to effective implementation and the strengthening of public confidence in the electoral process. “GoNigeria’s approach will remain practical and inclusive: supporting voter registration and participation; encouraging informed public debate on electoral transparency and responsible use of technology in elections; engaging institutions and stakeholders on closing the gap between law and implementation; and amplifying citizen demand for elections that are credible, verifiable, and beyond reasonable dispute.

“GoNigeria is committed to ensuring, through advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and informed analysis, that elections in Nigeria are decided by the people and trusted by the people.”

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