Electoral reform tops agenda as public trust declines in Nigeria’s Democracy

Electoral reform has been identified as the most urgent priority for safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic future as concerns grow over declining public trust in the country’s electoral process.

This position was outlined in a statement released on Tuesday by GoNigeria, a civic initiative led by Atedo Peterside, alongside 23 prominent advocates including Aisha Yesufu, Bishop Matthew Kukah, Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi II, and entertainer Folarin Falana (Falz).

The group described electoral reform, judicial reform, freedom of speech, and the security of life and property as the four critical pillars of a stable democracy. However, it stressed that credible elections remain the foundation upon which all other elements depend.

“Elections do not simply select leaders. They determine whether power is accepted as legitimate and whether institutions are trusted,” the statement noted.

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The call for reform draws on earlier recommendations by the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee, which advocated for greater independence of the electoral body, improved transparency, and stronger enforcement of electoral laws.

Nigeria has, over the years, introduced measures such as biometric voter registration, Permanent Voters’ Cards, and electronic accreditation systems to improve credibility. These reforms were widely credited for the relative success of the 2015 general elections, often cited as a high point in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

However, GoNigeria warned that progress has since stalled. The group pointed to the 2019 and 2023 elections as periods where public confidence declined due to inconsistent use of technology, weak enforcement of electoral rules, and an increasing reliance on the courts to determine election outcomes.

Recent survey data cited in the statement suggests that fewer than half of Nigerians currently trust the electoral commission. Distrust is reportedly highest in the South-South and South-East regions, while nearly 75 percent of Nigerians aged 18 to 35 expressed doubts about the system’s ability to deliver free and fair elections.

Analysts say the implications of this trust deficit are significant, ranging from heightened political tension and electoral violence to weakened governance and institutional credibility.

The group also raised concerns about provisions that allow electoral officers to resort to manual transmission of results in cases of network failure. It called for clearer guidelines and stronger safeguards to prevent potential abuse and ensure transparency.

Following the recent assent to the Electoral Act 2026, GoNigeria urged a shift in focus from legislation to implementation. The organisation said it would prioritise voter mobilisation, public education, and stakeholder engagement to bridge the gap between policy and practice.

“Our approach will remain practical and inclusive,” the statement said, adding that efforts would centre on promoting transparency, encouraging informed public debate, and strengthening citizen demand for credible elections.

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GoNigeria emphasised that restoring confidence in Nigeria’s electoral system is critical to ensuring that election outcomes are both legitimate and widely accepted.

The statement concluded with a commitment to sustained advocacy, noting that “elections in Nigeria must be decided by the people and trusted by the people.”