By Perpetua Onuegbu
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has warned of escalating threats to Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Situation Room made this known in a statement issued by its Convener, Yunusa Ya’u, to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Democracy on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ya’u identified voter intimidation, inflammatory rhetoric, electoral violence, abuse of public office and institutional impunity as major threats to democratic development.
“Democracy is not sustained by elections alone. It is sustained by the rule of law, respect for fundamental rights, accountable institutions, political tolerance and the freedom of citizens to make choices without fear or coercion.
“Against this backdrop, the Situation Room is deeply concerned about the deterioration of the political environment in recent months.
“Political rhetoric has become increasingly hostile, while threats, intimidation and violence are being used to suppress opposition, constrain political participation and undermine citizens fundamental freedoms,” he said.
The Situation Room cited Afrobarometer findings showing that 77 per cent of Nigerians were dissatisfied with how democracy was working.
He, however, noted that 64 per cent of Nigerians still preferred democracy to any other form of government.
According to him, the figures indicate a crisis of democratic delivery, institutional trust and accountability rather than rejection of democracy.
Ya’u also cited the V-Dem Institute, which classified Nigeria as an Electoral Autocracy, reflecting concerns over political competition, institutional checks and democratic freedoms.
The Situation Room expressed concern over the deterioration of Nigeria’s political environment, particularly threats, intimidation and violence allegedly being used to suppress political participation.
He said the recently concluded Osun Governorship Election raised concerns over intimidation and violence, including alleged threats involving high-ranking political officeholders.
The group warned that failure by institutions to investigate electoral offences, intimidation and violence could deepen a culture of impunity.
Ya’u condemned alleged threats compelling citizens to vote for a particular political party or leave their communities, describing such conduct as a grave assault on constitutional rights.
The Situation Room also criticised the alleged weaponisation of public offices, ethnicity and religion, saying government powers must not be used to secure political loyalty.
He called on security agencies to protect political actors and citizens equally, while ensuring that candidates were allowed to campaign without obstruction or intimidation.
He urged INEC, security agencies and law-enforcement authorities to enforce the Electoral Act 2026 impartially and prosecute electoral offences without fear or favour.
Ya’u further called for protection of civic freedoms, accountability by political parties and leaders, and stronger institutional preparedness ahead of the 2027 elections.
The Situation Room said it would intensify monitoring of Nigeria’s political environment, electoral preparedness, campaign financing, violence, misinformation and civic freedoms ahead of 2027.(NAN)
