January 17, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
As Nigeria intensifies preparations for the 2027 general elections, seasoned civil society expert Samson Itodo has sounded a stark warning that the country’s democratic foundations are increasingly under strain from political, institutional, and security pressures that risk undermining the credibility of the electoral process. In an opinion piece published on January 17, 2026, Itodo underscores a series of interlocking threats that, if left unchecked, could imperil both public confidence and the legitimacy of Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
Itodo begins by observing that, despite the 2023 polls having concluded only recently, overt political campaigning and realignments have already taken hold across the country a development that reflects weak accountability mechanisms and a political culture prioritising electoral ambition over governance. He notes that political actors are diverting attention from statecraft to early election positioning, thereby stoking tensions and diminishing public faith in democratic institutions.
Central to the concerns raised is the erosion of political competition, which Itodo identifies as a profound threat to the 2027 elections. He argues that mass defections from opposition parties and the incremental weakening of alternative political platforms could narrow voter choice and edge the nation closer to a de facto one-party system a shift that would seriously erode the democratic essence of competitive elections.
Another pressing issue highlighted is deepening electoral cynicism among Nigerians. Itodo points to recurring irregularities in past polls including conflicting results from the same polling units, intermittent bypasses of the Bimodal Voter Authentication System (BVAS), and inconsistencies on the INEC Results Viewing Portal as factors that reinforce a belief among many that their votes may not matter or could be tampered with, further eroding trust in the process.
Compounding the political challenges is Nigeria’s multidimensional security crisis. Insurgency, banditry, communal clashes, separatist agitation, and organised criminality, according to Itodo, jeopardise the safety and inclusiveness of the polling environment. Insecurity not only poses a direct threat to voter turnout particularly in volatile regions but also challenges the logistics of election administration, from deployment of personnel to distribution of materials in hard-to-reach areas.
Despite acknowledging these daunting obstacles, Itodo offers a set of remedies aimed at safeguarding the democratic process. First, he calls for a principled and independent Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) committed to fairness, inclusivity, transparency, and credibility. According to him, robust leadership at INEC could revitalise public confidence and set a new benchmark for electoral integrity.
Second, Itodo stresses the essential role of a determined and vigilant citizenry. He argues that an engaged electorate one that not only votes but observes and defends the process is crucial to mitigating manipulation and ensuring that the franchise is genuinely protected.
Lastly, he highlights the need for a patriotic and non-aligned security architecture. In his view, only security agencies that uphold constitutional neutrality, professionalism, and fidelity to citizens rather than partisan interests can provide the safe environment necessary for free and fair elections.
Itodo’s analysis comes amid broader national debates about electoral reforms and political conduct, with stakeholders expressing alarm over early campaigning and the potential decline in opposition competitiveness. Opposition figures have alleged intimidation and institutional bias that could marginalise alternative political voices ahead of 2027.
As Nigeria approaches this critical democratic juncture, the interplay between political will, institutional strength, and citizen engagement will likely determine whether the 2027 elections mark a reaffirmation of democratic values or a further slide into political stagnation and disenchantment.