With the 2027 general elections on the horizon, Nigerian stakeholders have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of electoral integrity, civic participation, and rising poverty levels across the country.
These concerns were voiced on Tuesday during a two-day Policy Dialogue in Abuja titled “Nigeria’s Triple Challenge: Civic Space, Poverty, and Electoral Integrity”. The event was organized by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD) in collaboration with Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), with support from the MacArthur Foundation.
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Speaking at the forum, Alhaji Sani Jabbi, the District Head of Gagi in Sokoto State, warned that without significant investment in national security, credible elections in 2027 may not be possible.
“We can’t have free and fair elections when large segments of society are excluded due to insecurity,” he said. “When voters in vulnerable areas are denied access to polling units, it undermines justice and democracy. Security forces must be empowered to reach every corner of the country so citizens can safely and confidently elect their leaders.”
Also addressing the gathering, Monday Osasah, Executive Director of the Centre LSD, highlighted the severe implications of multidimensional poverty, affecting over 133 million Nigerians, on democratic development.
He stated, “Our electoral processes are already under pressure. The last election cycle exposed serious gaps in transparency, civic engagement, and trust in electoral institutions. When combined with poverty and shrinking civic space, it threatens the foundation of our democracy.”
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Osasah explained that the dialogue aimed to assess research findings, gather stakeholder input, and design actionable policy recommendations to address these growing challenges.
He added, “We must work collectively to build a roadmap that strengthens Nigeria’s democratic governance, promotes inclusive development, and protects the rights and voices of every citizen.”
The forum also examined the relationship between poverty, insecurity, and restricted civic space—factors that continue to hinder inclusive political participation and electoral credibility in Nigeria.
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