Insecurity, political violence biggest threats to Nigeria’s 2027 elections — IRI

The International Republican Institute warns that insecurity and election-related political violence pose the greatest threats to Nigeria's 2027 general elections. IRI President Daniel Twining spoke at a press conference in Abuja, revealing that the institute's assessment mission engaged over 65 stakeholders. Twining emphasized that Nigeria's electoral credibility relies not only on technical preparations but also on citizens' ability to vote without fear and trust that their votes will be respected.

He highlighted that persistent insecurity and election-related political violence severely undermine confidence in the electoral process and reduce voter participation. Twining noted that Nigeria is the continent's largest democracy, and its political trajectory holds significant implications for the entire region and the world.

The assessment also identified political consolidation and opposition fragmentation as factors that could further erode trust in the electoral process. Although Nigeria possesses strong democratic foundations, including established electoral institutions and a multi-party system, public confidence remains one of the most critical challenges.

The IRI's recommendations aim to address these vulnerabilities before the 2027 elections, with a focus on election administration. Jenai Cox Dye-Fraser, IRI's Regional Director for Africa, urged INEC to establish clearer procedures for handling communication failures during electronic result transmission and to provide guidance on reviewing declarations and returns under Section 65.