2027 Election Credibility Being Determined Before Polling Day: KDI’s Adebayo
The Head of Research and Programmes at Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), Oluwafemi John Adebayo, has cautioned that the credibility of Nigeria’s 2027 general election is already being shaped long before citizens cast their votes.
Adebayo said the country’s democratic future depends not only on election-day activities but also on the integrity of political processes leading up to the polls.
According to him, the credibility of the election is being influenced by party primaries, court proceedings, security planning, voter registration exercises, media coverage and the actions of institutions responsible for safeguarding democracy.
While acknowledging that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the election timetable and political parties have progressed with candidate nominations, Adebayo argued that administrative preparations alone cannot guarantee a credible election.
“The real question is not whether Nigeria is preparing for the 2027 general election. It is whether Nigeria is preparing for a credible democratic contest,” he said.
He noted that although many Nigerians continue to participate in voter registration and political discussions despite economic hardship, growing public scepticism about democratic institutions remains a major concern.
According to Adebayo, many citizens are increasingly questioning whether their votes will truly influence election outcomes, reflecting declining confidence in the country’s electoral process.
He also criticised the conduct of party primaries, describing them as being dominated by elite influence, candidate imposition, money politics, violence and internal disputes rather than transparent democratic practices.
Adebayo observed that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and several opposition parties have faced leadership disagreements and legal battles that could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
He stressed that political parties serve as the foundation of democracy, warning that flawed internal elections weaken the credibility of the general election before voting even begins.
On the role of INEC, Adebayo acknowledged the commission’s ongoing preparations but maintained that rebuilding public trust after the 2023 general election remains a significant challenge.
He added that public confidence in electoral institutions is just as important as effective logistics in determining whether election outcomes will be accepted.
The KDI official also identified insecurity—including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts and political violence—as a major threat to the 2027 elections, warning that fear could discourage voter participation in affected communities.
He urged security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, conflict prevention and coordinated planning while maintaining neutrality throughout the electoral process.
Adebayo further highlighted the critical role of the media and civil society organisations in promoting electoral transparency through voter education, election observation, fact-checking, conflict monitoring and accountability.
He concluded that although Nigeria appears to be making progress in administrative preparations, unresolved political disputes, security concerns and lingering public distrust in democratic institutions continue to pose challenges to the credibility of the 2027 general election.
