The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room has raised concerns over the state of Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that the country is entering a critical phase of its democratic development.

The group raised the alarm in Abuja at a press conference to mark the 2026 International Day of Democracy, chaired by its Convener, Yunusa Z. Ya’u, alongside Co-Conveners Mma Odi and Celestine Odo.

It identified voter intimidation, political violence, inflammatory political rhetoric and the abuse of public office as some of the issues threatening the credibility of the electoral process.

The Situation Room also expressed concern over what it described as the failure of institutions to hold powerful political actors accountable.

It said the credibility of the 2027 elections would depend not only on events on election day but also on the political environment, the conduct of political actors, the preparedness and independence of democratic institutions, and safeguards introduced ahead of the polls.

The organisation cited recent public opinion findings indicating that 77 per cent of Nigerians were dissatisfied with the way democracy was working, while only 23 per cent expressed trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

However, it noted that 64 per cent of Nigerians still preferred democracy to any other form of government, arguing that the figures reflected concerns about democratic delivery, institutional trust and accountability rather than rejection of democracy itself.

The Situation Room urged INEC, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other law enforcement agencies to enforce relevant provisions of the Electoral Act impartially and decisively as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.