Ishowo Malik Ayomide
Many Nigerians are looking forward to the 2027 elections with high expectations, mainly due to prevailing security, economic, and infrastructural challenges, rising youth unemployment, and a desire for a better future. Many continue to hope for a leader capable of tackling these issues and guiding Nigeria onto a positive path. Indeed, many Nigerian citizens are deeply interested in the elections but have struggled to clearly define what those interests are. Some have expressed pessimism about the success of the upcoming elections, which could determine Nigeria’s future direction.
We all know that the 2027 elections are imminent and are placing significant pressure on our fragile, no longer nascent, democracy. Politicians tend to focus more on getting elected than on effective governance. Sadly, our political class often prioritises personal gains over formulating policies that would benefit the citizenry. As we are all aware, INEC is scheduled to conduct three major elections in 2026. These include the Federal Capital Territory area council elections (which have already been held) and the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states. Early signs suggest that the FCT area council elections and the Osun governorship race may be highly competitive and politically significant, considering their strategic impact on the 2027 general elections and the tendency of political gladiators to hijack processes to consolidate power.
The political landscape is heating up due to contesting forces, and it is no surprise that sustained, serial campaigns continue despite INEC’s ban, exposing a serious failure of the current institutional framework. INEC’s management of the upcoming elections will be a vital test of its independence and transparency, which will directly influence public trust heading into 2027. The outcome could either enhance citizen engagement or deepen apathy. Meanwhile, the proposed Electoral Act 2026 might introduce major reforms, such as mandatory electronic results and “real-time” transmission. However, recent elections in Nigeria, particularly in 2019, have often failed to reflect the will of the people.
This worrying scenario is further worsened by INEC’s recent decision to derecognise the previously acknowledged national leaders of the main opposition party, the African Democratic Congress. It is especially troubling that such a shocking decision was made just days before their INEC-approved election. Whatever can be said, there can be no justification for jeopardising the nation’s future; a federation whose condition is already edging towards a crisis.
Voter turnout is another concern. In 2023, only a very small percentage of Nigerians voted, and if the turnout in 2027 remains equally low or lower, it could further undermine the credibility of the polls unless proper measures are taken. Security challenges across the nation, especially in troubled areas of the Northern part including Kwara, difficulties in registering for voter cards, and the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation leading up to voting day may all severely impair electoral credibility.
Since independence, elections in Nigeria have often been exploited to keep those in power perpetually in control. However, the new INEC Chairman recently pledged to change this narrative for 2027, promising a more credible electoral process. His commitment to reform is a welcome development. To me, the Chairman appears to aim for the 2027 elections to become a historic turning point in Nigeria’s history. Whether he genuinely seeks free, fair elections and meaningful reform remains an open question. These promises are old, as old as the nation itself. I hope and pray that INEC can genuinely deliver on these promises and rebuild public trust. My question is: would INEC finally succeed in restoring trust in the system? In other words, can INEC break the yoke of distrust?
Nevertheless, if the upcoming elections are well managed, they could herald a new hope for political change and improved internal security, potentially reducing terrorist attacks and preventing the continued migration of young Nigerians. This hope must be realised to prevent further deterioration and disaster, particularly in Northern Nigeria. Although Nigeria has experienced its longest uninterrupted democratic rule to date, the quality of democracy still requires urgent improvement.
Ishowo Malik Ayomide
ishowomk2004@gmail.com
08165511716.
Ishowo is a writer, student leader, and political/media enthusiast, based in Ilorin, Kwara State.