Coalition gives INEC roadmap for successful 2027 elections

By Lukman Olabiyi

The Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC), has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to implement far-reaching electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the lessons from the recent Ekiti State governorship election provide a useful roadmap for improving voter participation, inclusiveness and electoral efficiency nationwide.

The coalition of human rights organisations, which monitored the June 20, 2026 governorship election in Ekiti State, made the recommendations during a press conference in Lagos.

Although the group described the election as credible, peaceful and transparent, it identified several areas requiring urgent attention to ensure a more successful and inclusive electoral process in 2027.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, its leaders, Martins Adeleke, Fred Ojinika and Akinwale Kasali, said INEC should prioritise voter education, expand polling units, create provisions for special voters and improve support for vulnerable groups.

The coalition, which deployed about 200 observers across the state, noted that voter turnout during the election was significantly low and urged electoral authorities to address factors discouraging citizens from participating in elections.

According to the group, economic hardship, transportation difficulties, security concerns and growing public dissatisfaction with governance contributed to the low turnout recorded during the poll.

“The 2027 general elections will require more robust voter mobilisation efforts. INEC, political parties and civil society organisations must intensify voter education and civic engagement programmes to encourage greater participation in the democratic process,” the coalition said.

The NHRC also advised INEC to introduce a framework that would allow certain categories of citizens classified as special voters to exercise their franchise despite being engaged in essential duties on election day.

The coalition noted that journalists, healthcare workers, security personnel and patients receiving treatment in hospitals are frequently disenfranchised because they are unable to leave their posts to vote.

Drawing inspiration from electoral practices in other African democracies, particularly Ghana, the group urged lawmakers and electoral authorities to develop legal provisions that would guarantee voting opportunities for such categories of citizens.