ANEEJ calls for electoral reforms ahead of 2027 general elections, says Nigerians will resist any plan to rig the polls
BENIN CITY, NIGERIA. JUNE 12, 2026 – The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) has called on the Federal Government, State Governments, Local Government Authorities, political parties, political actors, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and security agencies to take urgent and decisive steps to reform, sanitize, and strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process ahead of the 2027 General Elections.
Speaking on the occasion of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, ANEEJ’s Deputy Executive Director, Leo Atakpu, expressed deep concern over the persistent decline in the credibility of the country’s electoral system and its far-reaching consequences for democratic governance, national development, social stability, and future generations. He said June 12 remains a powerful reminder of Nigerians’ collective struggle for credible elections, representative governance, and the protection of the people’s sovereign will.
According to Atakpu, while June 12 symbolizes the resilience of Nigeria’s democratic struggle and the people’s aspiration for free and fair elections, the integrity of the nation’s electoral process continues to face serious threats. He noted that electoral violence, vote buying, election manipulation, voter intimidation, political thuggery, abuse of state institutions, and weak accountability mechanisms have continued to undermine public confidence in democratic institutions and weaken citizens’ trust in the electoral system.
Atakpu warned that any plan by desperate politicians or compromised institutions to rig the 2027 General Elections will be strongly resisted by Nigerians, civil society organizations, democratic actors, and all citizens who are committed to protecting the nation’s democracy. He stated that Nigeria cannot afford another electoral cycle marred by manipulation, intimidation, violence, and impunity, stressing that the votes of Nigerians must count and must be seen to count.
“The future we desire for our children tomorrow must be reflected in the decisions we make today. Protecting the integrity of our electoral process is not merely a political obligation; it is an investment in the stability, prosperity, and democratic future of our nation. Any attempt to subvert the will of the people in 2027 will be resisted by Nigerians because democracy belongs to the people, not to political merchants or anti-democratic forces,” Atakpu said.
ANEEJ noted that beyond the immediate political implications, electoral malpractice imposes a heavy social cost on citizens and communities. Lives are lost during election-related violence, families are displaced, children are orphaned, and communities are left to bear the consequences of political instability. As preparations gradually begin for the 2027 elections, the organization emphasized that the decisions made today will determine the quality of democracy that future generations inherit.
The organization further observed that one of the most troubling consequences of electoral malpractice is the erosion of public trust and the steady decline in political participation. When citizens believe their votes will not count, voter apathy increases. Over the past two decades, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing decline in electoral participation, with voter turnout falling from 69.08 percent in the 2003 presidential election to 57.49 percent in 2007, 53.68 percent in 2011, 43.65 percent in 2015, 34.75 percent in 2019, and a historic low of 26.72 percent in 2023. ANEEJ said this persistent decline reflects growing public disenchantment with the democratic process, driven by concerns over electoral malpractice, violence, vote buying, poor governance outcomes, and the perception that votes do not always translate into meaningful political change.
ANEEJ warned that if this trend is left unaddressed, it will pose a serious threat to democratic consolidation, political legitimacy, and citizen engagement in Nigeria’s governance process. The organization stressed that flawed electoral processes often produce unaccountable leadership, as electoral malpractice facilitates the emergence of leaders who are not genuinely answerable to the electorate. This, according to ANEEJ, weakens democratic institutions and undermines the principles of transparency, integrity, responsibility, and good governance.
Referencing the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as one of the freest and fairest elections in Nigeria’s history, Atakpu said the enduring public admiration for that election, more than three decades later, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to restore credibility, transparency, and public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system, a system political parties mocked during the recent party primaries with compromised vote counts. He expressed concern over recent political statements that appear to predetermine electoral outcomes, noting that such statements reinforce public perceptions that electoral malpractice remains deeply entrenched within the political landscape.
The organization called for the independence of INEC to be fully safeguarded, stressing that the Commission must be adequately funded, institutionally protected, and insulated from political pressure. ANEEJ emphasized that INEC must discharge its constitutional responsibilities with neutrality, professionalism, transparency, and courage if Nigerians are to regain confidence in the electoral process.
ANEEJ particularly called on INEC and security agencies to ensure impartiality, professionalism, and strict adherence to the rule of law in the discharge of their duties before, during, and after the 2027 elections. The organization warned that security agencies must not be used as tools of intimidation, suppression, or partisan manipulation, but must act as protectors of voters, election officials, observers, electoral materials, and the democratic process.
ANEEJ reiterated that free, fair, credible, and transparent elections remain the foundation of every thriving democracy. The values of accountability, integrity, transparency, social justice, equity, fairness, respect for the rule of law, and responsible leadership must guide Nigeria’s democratic journey if the nation is to achieve sustainable development and secure a better future for its citizens.
As Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle, ANEEJ’s message for 2027 remains unequivocal: Credible, Fair, Transparent, and Peaceful Elections.
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