A former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Mike Igini, has expressed concern over what he described as growing threats to democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that failure to enforce electoral laws could undermine Nigeria’s stability.
Igini said some individuals were working hard to extinguish the light of democracy in the country, accusing political actors of threatening citizens and undermining the principles of free political participation.
He made the remarks while fielding questions on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday.
The former INEC commissioner said the actions of key stakeholders before and during elections were critical to determining electoral outcomes, noting that elections had significant implications for national security, political stability and the survival of democracy.
He said his greatest worry about the 2027 elections was the apparent failure to enforce existing laws, arguing that Nigeria was increasingly operating under the rule of individuals rather than the rule of law.
“Look at section 97, that a candidate shall not be compelled in any form by anybody to support a political party or candidate.
"The law is there, but today, we are now in a state of anomy. The laws are no longer enforced. That is my greatest worry about this election, because if we cannot fix the politics, we can never fix our economy, because our development are embedded in politics and political processes,” Igini said.
He called on stakeholders to examine provisions of the Electoral Act 2026, particularly Section 95, which he said placed a responsibility on state commissioners of police to ensure that candidates, political parties and aspirants were not prevented from campaigning or conducting processions.
Igini also cited Section 97 of the Act, which he said prohibited threats of violence against citizens over their electoral choices and barred anyone from compelling a candidate to support a political party or another candidate.
According to him, the continued disregard for such provisions threatens the credibility of the electoral process and could further weaken democratic institutions.
The former electoral commissioner further described elections as an important period of national renewal, when citizens should be able to participate freely in political activities, engage in policy debates and make choices about their leadership.
However, he lamented that the country was losing the democratic values that should define electoral contests, including political engagement, policy debates, moral arguments and the formation of shared national values.
Igini also questioned the commitment of those allegedly threatening Nigerians over political choices, asking where they were during the struggle for democracy in the country.
He warned that those seeking to undermine democratic freedoms were endangering the nation’s future.
"They are putting out light on democracy. I want to say clearly that those who want to put out the light on democracy we fought for because of the character who are talking, threatening people all over the country.
"Where were they when we were fighting for democracy in this country? Where were they? They want to end Nigeria, this country will see their end," Igini added.
They want to end Nigeria' - Ex-INEC commissioner Igini discloses greatest worry about 2027