Former electoral commissioner Mike Igini has warned that Nigeria's democracy faces significant risks without a strong and credible opposition, as political actors begin positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Opposition Vital for Democratic Governance
Speaking at an opposition conference in Ibadan, Igini emphasized that democratic governance cannot thrive in the absence of viable opposition parties capable of holding those in power accountable. "There will be no hopeful future for democracy without a viable opposition," he stated, urging political parties to strengthen their internal structures and work collaboratively to safeguard electoral integrity.
Electoral Act Concerns
The conference, attended by opposition leaders and civil society figures, comes amid rising political tension and increased scrutiny of Nigeria's electoral framework. Igini raised concerns about provisions in the Electoral Act, warning that certain sections could undermine transparency and credibility if not urgently reviewed. He noted that aspects of the law could allow questionable validation of results and weaken accountability in the electoral process.
According to him, recent legal developments risk shifting the determination of election outcomes from polling units to the courts, increasing the influence of post-election litigation. "Elections that should be concluded at the polling unit are increasingly being decided in courtrooms," he cautioned, adding that such a trend could place undue pressure on the judiciary.
Call for INEC Neutrality
Igini further called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to strengthen public confidence, stressing that perceived neutrality remains critical to the credibility of elections. He urged all stakeholders to prioritize reforms that ensure free, fair, and transparent polls in 2027.
