Concerned Citizens for Nigerian Democracy has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, and security agencies to protect the integrity of the 2027 general elections and ensure a level playing field for all political parties and candidates.
Co-Convener of the group, Michael Benedict Ademofe, made the call at a press conference in Abuja, where he said the organisation was non-partisan and committed to protecting citizens’ participation in free and credible elections.
Ademofe said the group had petitioned INEC under the Freedom of Information Act over access to the voters’ register and welcomed the Commission’s decision to make the register available online.
He, however, called for proper verification of information contained in the register to address concerns raised by stakeholders.
He also stated that the group had submitted petitions to the United States Embassy, British High Commission and European Union, seeking support for efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.
On his part, another co- convener, Mr. Okere Kingdom, urged INEC to maintain its independence and conduct the 2027 elections impartially.
He also called on the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to provide equal protection for political parties and candidates during campaigns.
Mr. Kingdom referred to Section 95 of the Electoral Act and urged the police to ensure that political parties are allowed to campaign freely across the country, in line with the law.
The group also appealed to Nigerians to place the interest of the country above political, ethnic or religious considerations, stressing that a credible electoral process would strengthen national unity and reduce tensions before and after the elections.
The group urged INEC, the police, civil defence, military and other relevant agencies to work together to ensure that Nigerians are able to participate peacefully and that their votes count.
The group said its activities would remain peaceful and lawful, insisting that its primary concern was the credibility of the electoral process and the stability of Nigeria’s democracy.
