GoNigeria an initiative of ANAP foundation has called for urgent and credible electoral reforms, warning that declining public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system poses a serious threat to democratic stability.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday  and signed by its Convener, Atedo Peterside, the civic group said while Nigeria has made progress through the adoption of digital tools such as biometric voter registration, Permanent Voters’ Cards, and electronic accreditation, those gains have weakened in recent election cycles.

“Subsequent reforms centered on the  adoption of digital tools, including biometric voter registration, Permanent Voters’ Cards, and, electronic accreditation,” the statement reads in part.

The group noted that the deployment of technology in elections, which peaked during the widely acclaimed 2015 general elections, has since been inconsistent.

According to GoNigeria, the 2019 and 2023 elections exposed gaps in implementation, weak enforcement of rules, and an increasing reliance on the judiciary to determine electoral outcomes.

Citing recent survey data, the organisation said fewer than half of Nigerians currently express confidence in the electoral commission, with distrust particularly pronounced in the South-South and South-East regions. Among young Nigerians aged 18 to 35, nearly three-quarters reportedly lack confidence in the system’s ability to deliver free and fair elections.

GoNigeria warned that a weak electoral system could lead to increased political violence, unaccountable leadership, and weakened institutions, describing the situation as a “clear democratic risk.”

The group stressed that ongoing reviews of electoral laws, growing public demand for transparency, and declining trust levels collectively underscore the urgency of reform. It added that concerns over administrative discretion—particularly the allowance for manual transmission of results in cases of network failure—must be addressed through clear guidelines, stronger safeguards, and transparent procedures.

Following the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026, GoNigeria urged authorities to prioritise effective implementation and rebuild public confidence in the electoral process.

It outlined its approach to include supporting voter registration and participation, promoting informed public discourse on electoral transparency and the responsible use of technology, engaging stakeholders to bridge the gap between legislation and practice, and amplifying citizen demand for credible and verifiable elections.

GoNigeria reaffirmed its commitment to advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and policy analysis to ensure that elections in Nigeria reflect the will of the people and are widely trusted.

The statement was issued on behalf of the organisation’s 24 advocates, including Aisha Yesufu, Arunma Oteh, Bishop Matthew Kukah, Muhammad Sanusi II, Osita Chidoka, Folarin Falana (Falz), and Yemi Adamolekun.

The group also highlighted electoral reform as one of four critical pillars for Nigeria’s democratic future, alongside judicial reform, freedom of speech, and the security of life and property. It emphasised that credible elections are central to legitimacy, institutional trust, and effective governance.

GoNigeria referenced the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee, which called for greater independence of the electoral body, enhanced transparency, credible dispute resolution mechanisms, and stricter enforcement of electoral laws.