Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s democratic process have called for peaceful, credible and inclusive elections in 2027.
They appealed to young Nigerians to embrace responsible political participation and reject violence, misinformation and corruption.
The stakeholders spoke yesterday in Abuja at the sixth National Leaders and Youth Stakeholders’ Conference organised by the Inspired to Lead Initiative with the theme, “2027 Elections: From Voices to Votes – Process, Participation, Security, National Stability and Beyond 2027”.
In a keynote address, the 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.
A representative of the secretary-general of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAR), Hashimu Adamu, 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.
