Movement for Credible Elections (MCE) has warned that Nigeria’s democracy faces serious threats ahead of the 2027 general elections, alleging attempts to manipulate electoral laws and weaken public confidence in the electoral process.

Speaking at a briefing in Lagos yesterday, the group led by Prof. Pat Utomi expressed concern over “growing constitutional violations and declining electoral participation”.

On his part, human rights lawyer, poet and governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, NiyiAborisade, called for a transparent and accountable 2027 general election, insisting that Nigerians are tired of electoral manipulation and want their votes to count.

Relatedly, human rights lawyer and activist, Dele Farotimi described Nigeria’s electoral process as a “hollow ritual” that masquerades as democracy, warning that citizens lack the genuine power to determine leadership outcomes.
Utomi told journalists that recent developments surrounding the 2026 Electoral Act and actions by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) suggested a “reckless desperation” by those in power, warning that continued interference could erode the legitimacy of the Nigerian state.

According to the group, voter turnout trends indicate deepening public disillusionment with the electoral system, citing recent elections in Abuja where participation allegedly fell below 10 per cent of registered voters. It warned that persistent voter apathy could trigger social instability if citizens lose faith in democratic processes.

MCE accused electoral authorities of acting in alignment with the ruling establishment and interfering in the internal affairs of political parties, a move it argued undermines constitutional guarantees of freedom of association.

IN an interview with The Guardian, Aborisade highlighted the growing influence of the ADC in Oyo State, noting that the party was attracting members organically, as citizens seek credible alternatives to the status quo.

“People are joining our party out of conviction. The frustration with governance has created a desire for a political option that genuinely represents the people,” he said.

Aborisade expressed concern over conflicting court judgments involving political party factions, particularly within the PDP, saying such contradictions undermine public confidence in the judiciary. He called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to enforce consistency and accountability, stressing that internal party disputes should be resolved through dialogue rather than legal manoeuvring.

Regarding the ADC’s readiness for the elections, Aborisade stated that the party “is actively mobilising at the grassroots level, strengthening ward and local council structures, recruiting coordinators and training agents” to ensure meaningful citizen engagement.

FAROTIMI raised the concerns at the Christian Consultative Assembly organised by the Christian Social Movement of Nigeria (CSMN) under the theme ‘2027 Election: What Are the Options?’ over the weekend.

Urging Nigerians to confront the realities of the political system before debating electoral choices for 2027, Farotimi argued that the absence of the rule of law and equality before the law undermined the concept of citizenship in the country.

Discussions about electoral options assume citizens have genuine agency, the lawyer said, warning that low voter turnout fuels manipulation.

Citing figures from the 2023 general elections, he noted that out of about 90 million registered voters, barely 20 million participated.

“We cannot wait passively for 2027. The afflictions of Nigerians are common and urgent. We must act now to build coalitions that reflect our values and protect our interests,” he added.