Jibrin Ibrahim: 2027 elections at risk as INEC failures, judicial corruption, and political violence erode democracy
A symposium chaired by former INEC Chairman Attahiru Jega yesterday laid bare the crisis threatening Nigeria's 2027 elections. Organised by the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies and the Kukah Centre, the discussion exposed a political class that makes elaborate promises, wins elections, then refuses to deliver—creating what Jibrin Ibrahim calls a "deep breakdown of trust" between citizens and politicians.
The National Peace Committee's monitoring report confirms the decay: 109 breaches of the Peace Accord across 26 states and the FCT in just 10 weeks (August 19–October 27). The tally includes 33 incidents of political violence, 29 cases of disinformation, 19 attacks on campaign activities, and 15 cases of intimidation. Flashpoints: Peter Obi's convoy obstructed near Makurdi (Sept 8), armed disruptions of PDP/NDC gatherings in Enugu, a PDP consultation disrupted by gunmen in Calabar South (Oct 2), an ADC supporter shot in Igueben, Edo (Oct 6), and one death during an Ibadan political procession (Oct 14–17).
INEC compounds the crisis. With barely two months to elections, the voters' register remains unpublished despite statutory deadlines. Allegations of AI interference with the register implicating INEC staff, plus reports of FCT Minister's office staff accessing the voter server, have shattered confidence. Meanwhile, "reckless judicial interventions" see corrupt judges replacing voters as election determiners.
INEC Commissioner Mohammed Haruna warned Saturday in Enugu that the "Rig and Die" slogan—linking electoral offences to death—is dangerous and signals widespread belief that incumbency will rig 2027. He noted polling officials, not politicians, bear the brunt of resulting violence.
Aisha Yesufu's intervention cuts to the core: the office of the citizen hasn't realised its constitutional power. When it does, it can elect a governing class that works for citizens, not itself. Nineteen parties signed the Peace Accord on August 18 pledging issue-based campaigns and rejection of violence. The violations since suggest the pledge was performative.
Will you mobilise to reclaim your electoral mandate, or accept a system where stolen money buys votes, judges pick winners, and slogans threaten death?