Stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic process have called for peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in 2027, urging young Nigerians to embrace responsible political participation and reject violence, misinformation and corruption.
The stakeholders made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the sixth National Leaders and Youth Stakeholders Conference organised by the Inspired to Lead Initiative with the theme: “General Election: From Voices to Votes: Process, Participation, Security, and National Stability Beyond 2027.”
Delivering the keynote address, Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Anthony Ojukwu, described the right to vote and contest elections as fundamental human rights, stressing that democracy can only thrive where elections are peaceful, transparent and inclusive.
Ojukwu identified voter intimidation, electoral violence, hate speech and disinformation as major threats to democratic governance and national stability.
“Your voices are important, but your votes give those voices democratic legitimacy. Democracy does not begin and end with elections. It requires informed participation, responsible leadership and an unwavering commitment to justice, equality and respect for the rights of others,” he said.
He said the NHRC would continue to work with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, political parties and civil society organisations to safeguard citizens’ rights before, during and after the 2027 general elections.
The NHRC boss also highlighted the Commission’s Mobilising Voters for Elections (MOVE) project implemented ahead of the 2023 elections, saying it promoted voter education, peaceful participation and issue-based campaigns while discouraging vote-buying, violence and hate speech.
Representing the Secretary-General of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAR), Hashimu Adamu, Senior Technical Assistant to the Secretary-General, said the 2027 elections should be seen as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions rather than merely determine political winners.
Adamu, who is also Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu, conveyed the goodwill message of COSPAR Chairman and Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin.
He urged Nigerian youths to become informed, principled and responsible participants in the democratic process.
“Our young people must aspire not only to be the largest voting bloc but also to be the most informed, the most responsible and the most principled democratic constituency,” he said.
According to him, democracy requires more than having a voice, stressing the need for youths to register, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), understand public policies and reject misinformation.
He described elections as critical national security issues, noting that credible and peaceful polls strengthen institutions, attract investment and build public confidence, while violence undermines development.
Adamu called on political parties to compete with ideas rather than intimidation and urged security agencies to remain professional and impartial.
He also announced that applications for the fifth cohort of COSPAR’s Legislative Mentorship Initiative would open next month, adding that the programme has trained more than 200 young leaders across Africa since 2022.
Also speaking, Director of Public Enlightenment and Education at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Mr. Demola Bakare, identified corruption as a major barrier to Nigeria’s development.
Bakare said corruption contributes to insecurity, electoral malpractice, poor healthcare delivery, illiteracy and infrastructure challenges.
He urged Nigerians, especially youths, to embrace integrity, transparency and accountability while supporting anti-corruption agencies in exposing corrupt practices and demanding accountability from public officials.
He also invited the Inspired to Lead Initiative to join the National Anti-Corruption Coalition, a platform comprising more than 400 organisations working to combat corruption in Nigeria.
Earlier, Executive Director of Inspired to Lead Initiative and convener of the conference, Jeremiah Agala, said the gathering was aimed at promoting conversations on leadership, governance, entrepreneurship and nation-building rather than partisan politics.
