Nigeria’s Democracy Is Dying: 2027 Elections at Risk, Jega, Gambari, Others Warn

By Emmanuel Kwada

A group of prominent Nigerian statesmen, academics and public intellectuals have raised the alarm over what they described as a deepening national crisis, warning that Nigeria is approaching a dangerous tipping point amid rising insecurity, electoral manipulation and the weakening of democratic institutions.

The warning was contained in a statement titled “Statement on the State of the Nation”, dated June 8, 2026, and signed by former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega; former Chief of Staff to the President, Professor Ibrahim Gambari; Chairman of Media Trust Group, Malam Kabiru Yusuf; alongside several other respected national figures.

Other signatories include Dr. Husseini Abdu, Dr. Usman Bugaje, Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud (SAN), among others.

The group said its assessment of current national developments revealed an alarming convergence of political, security and institutional challenges capable of undermining Nigeria’s stability and democratic future.

According to the statement, the country is witnessing a steady erosion of democratic norms, with key institutions increasingly losing their independence and effectiveness.

“Our assessment of the state of the nation reveals that Nigeria stands at a dangerous crossroads where rising insecurity, an alarming level of electoral manipulation by government, and the weakening of democratic institutions are converging into a national crisis that threatens the country’s survival,” the statement read.

The signatories expressed particular concern over what they described as the collapse of the constitutional principle of separation of powers, alleging that the executive arm of government has assumed overwhelming influence over other democratic institutions.

They argued that the legislature has become largely subordinate to the executive, while the judiciary appears to be struggling with issues of independence and public credibility.

According to the group, the weakening of these institutions has contributed to growing public distrust in governance, political exclusion, impunity and the worsening security situation across the country.

The concerned Nigerians also drew attention to regional security dynamics, linking Nigeria’s growing insecurity to the broader instability in the Sahel region.

They noted that terrorism, arms trafficking, porous borders and unconstitutional changes of government in neighbouring countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have compounded security challenges across West Africa.

“The crisis in Nigeria cannot be separated from the broader instability engulfing the Sahel region,” the group stated, stressing the need for stronger regional cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

As part of their recommendations, they urged the Federal Government to appoint a Special Envoy for the Sahel to help rebuild trust and strengthen cooperation between the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The signatories also called on civil society organisations, professional associations, religious leaders, traditional institutions and the private sector to play a more active role in defending democratic values and promoting accountability in governance.

On electoral matters, the group voiced concerns about the preparedness and neutrality of the electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections.

They cited what they described as “clear and consistent indications” of a lack of neutrality and competence within INEC and urged stakeholders to engage the commission constructively to safeguard the credibility of future elections.

The group specifically called on civil society organisations, the Nigerian Bar Association and other democratic actors to intensify advocacy efforts aimed at ensuring that the 2027 polls are free, fair, transparent and credible.

They further appealed to the judiciary and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to strengthen accountability mechanisms within the justice sector and take urgent steps to restore public confidence in the courts.

The intervention by the eminent Nigerians comes amid growing national debate over governance, security and democratic accountability, with political activities already gathering momentum ahead of the next general elections.

Their statement adds to mounting calls from various quarters for comprehensive reforms aimed at strengthening institutions, improving security and protecting Nigeria’s democratic future.