2027 Elections: Half of Nigerians Doubt INEC's Credibility, Says GoNigeria

As the 2027 general elections approach, the Conveners of GoNigeria have emphasized that credible electoral reform is both urgent and unavoidable, while also stressing the need to bolster public confidence in the electoral process.

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The group, comprising Mr Atedo Peterside and 24 others, highlighted in a statement titled ‘Electoral reform and the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic future’ that electoral reforms, judicial reforms, and freedom of speech are crucial for Nigeria’s democracy.

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According to GoNigeria, surveys have shown that less than 50 percent of Nigerians have confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, a concerning statistic that underscores the need for reform.

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The statement outlined four critical pillars for Nigeria’s democracy: electoral reform, judicial reform, freedom of speech, and the security of life and property, which serve as the foundation for a durable and productive democracy.

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Electoral reform is deemed foundational, as elections not only select leaders but also determine the legitimacy of power, the trustworthiness of institutions, and the effectiveness of governance, with credible elections serving to strengthen authority.

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The Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee’s recommendations, which emphasized the independence of the electoral body, transparency, credible dispute resolution, and firm enforcement of electoral rules, were noted by the group as a clear articulation of this understanding.

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Subsequent reforms, including the adoption of digital tools such as biometric voter registration, Permanent Voters’ Cards, and electronic accreditation, reflected the intent to utilize technology as a guardrail against manipulation and a basis for public confidence.

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The 2015 elections are widely regarded as a benchmark for Nigeria’s democracy, but progress has proven fragile, and public trust has regressed since the 2019 and 2023 elections due to uneven technology use, weak enforcement, and increased reliance on courts to determine electoral outcomes.

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Today, surveys indicate that less than 50 percent of Nigerians have confidence in the electoral commission, with the deepest distrust found in the South-South and South-East, and nearly three-quarters of young Nigerians aged 18 to 35 reporting a lack of trust in the system.

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These figures signal a serious democratic fault line that extends beyond reputational concerns, with the costs of a weak electoral system being profound, including increased violence, unaccountable governments, and compromised institutions.

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Nigeria faces a clear democratic risk, as the persistent review of electoral laws, growing demand for transparency, and declining public confidence all point to the conclusion that credible electoral reform is urgent and unavoidable.

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For instance, concerns about the potential for administrative discretion by electoral officers can be addressed with clear operational guidelines, stronger safeguards, and transparent procedures that ensure technology remains a tool for accountability.

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Following the assent to the Electoral Act 2026, attention must now turn to effective implementation and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process, according to the group.

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GoNigeria’s approach will remain practical and inclusive, focusing on supporting voter registration and participation, encouraging informed public debate on electoral transparency, and engaging institutions and stakeholders on closing the gap between law and implementation.

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Ultimately, 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.