Nigeria: Calls for electoral reform and accountability ahead of 2027 elections

Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, various groups are calling for significant reforms and increased political accountability. The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has proposed constitutional and electoral changes, including a requirement for presidential candidates to secure at least 50 per cent of the votes cast, with a run-off election if no candidate meets that threshold.

The NGE also recommended that electoral disputes be resolved within specific timelines, ideally before winners are sworn into office. During their recent conference, the guild highlighted challenges such as voter apathy, electoral insecurity, misinformation, and the potential threats posed by artificial intelligence.

Simultaneously, the socio-political group Nigeria Forward has urged civil society organizations and citizens to hold politicians accountable for their conduct. The group warned against the rise of hate speech, character assassination, and the misuse of digital platforms to spread fake news, advocating instead for issue-based campaigns focused on policies and manifestos to ensure national unity and informed voting.