As the clock ticks towards the 2027 Nigerian general elections, one thing stands out in the heart of key stakeholders and the general public: the need for electoral integrity throughout the phases of the electoral process.
Over the years, Nigeria’s elections have faced numerous challenges spanning from the pre-election stage to the post-election phase. These challenges include the spread of misinformation and disinformation, the use of hate speech, delays in the delivery of election materials, voter intimidation, ballot box snatching, allegations of rigging, as well as prolonged electoral petitions and frustrating court cases.
Despite these obstacles, each election cycle has seen the active involvement of international organizations, development partners, and civil society organizations. Their efforts have been crucial in promoting elections that are free, fair, and peaceful across the country.
It was under such commitment that the EU Support to ECOWAS in Peace, Security and Governance (EPSG) Project, funded by the European Union (EU), the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), Germany, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Denmark, the Fundación para la Internacionalización de las Administraciones Públicas (FIAP), a Spanish Cooperation entity, convened a two-day workshop titled “Community Dialogues on Electoral Integrity – Trusted Voices for Credible Elections in Kaduna from 28 – 29 July 2026.
Participants at the Workshop
The workshop which brought together 40 key stakeholders from 12 states across Nigeria’s North – West and North – Central geopolitical zones, created a platform for meaningful dialogue and collaboration among community leaders, civil society actors, media practitioners, women and youth representatives, and other influential stakeholders committed to strengthening democratic governance and electoral integrity.
The dialogue was hinged on the need to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, promote community ownership of electoral integrity, encourage peaceful participation in elections and develop practical recommendations for credible elections.
The workshop led by Bashiru Olasupo and Serah Peter Gajere Esq had Technical and Panel Sessions on different topics, including: Community-Based Strategies for Strengthening Electoral Integrity and Building Public Trust, Understanding Electoral Rights, Responsibilities and Democratic Accountability and Roles of Electoral Institutions, Security Agencies, Traditional and Religious Leaders in Promoting Credible Elections.
The sessions served as a spring board for discussions among Participants, who identified shrinking stakeholder engagement by INEC, insufficient voter education and sensitization; Weak implementation of existing electoral laws; Security challenges, particularly in conflict-prone communities like Zamfara and Benue States; increase in drug use and political thuggery; Conflicting judicial pronouncements on electoral process and public distrust of security agents and the electoral body as some of the issues compromising the integrity of the process in Nigeria.
They also identified increasing voter apathy resulting from violence and intimidation; weak judicial accountability for electoral offenses, political influence over media organizations and weak internal democracy among political parties as impediments to a free, fair and peaceful election.
They therefore called on INEC to institutionalize regular stakeholder engagement, prioritize continuous voter education and sensitization beyond election cycles, arguing that these will go a long way in enlightening the people and building their confidence in the electoral body.
Participants noted that where impunity exist, lawlessness becomes the norm, hence, electoral offenders should be held accountable; they must be tried and punished to serve as deterrence.
They further recommended continuous reforms for security agencies aimed at improving professionalism and public confidence; establishment of Community-based early warning systems; active inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in electoral processes.
Civil society must join hands with INEC to ignite civic education and strengthen election observation. The media must rise above bias, champion responsible reporting, and guarantee equal access for all parties. Communities should set up peace committees that defuse tensions before they erupt into violence. And security agencies must do more than stand guard — they must protect voters, stamp out intimidation, arrest offenders, and ensure every Nigerian can cast their ballot in safety.
The Community Dialogue on Electoral Integrity indeed provided an inclusive platform for stakeholders to critically assess the current state of electoral integrity in Nigeria. The dialogue concluded with a shared commitment among participants to strengthen partnerships and promote peaceful, transparent, inclusive, and credible elections through sustained community engagement and collective responsibility.
Feedback from participants
Sharing his experience on the two day dialogue, Ogbadu Alilu Ocheni, Chairman, Community Initiative to Promote Peace (CIPP) Dekina LGA, Kogi State, stated that “the atmosphere was engaging and collaborative, and provided an opportunity for open and practical conversations centered on how ordinary citizens can take ownership of the electoral process and ensure that elections reflect the true will of the people.
“The experience broadened my understanding of how integrity, peace, and accountability are interconnected in our elections. It reinforced for me that credible elections are not the job of INEC alone, but a shared responsibility requiring trusted voices at community level. I left Kaduna with practical ideas and renewed motivation to mobilize my community around voter education, peace advocacy, and fact-checking to support free, fair, and peaceful elections”.
For Saffiya Umar Aliyu a representative of Northern Female and Youth Returnees, from Kano State, the training brought to fore the sad reality of women and youth who are the major campaigners and voters,but they are the most excluded. When it comes to elections women and youths are the major voters but we are not included socially, we are often excluded as a result of some barriers which include Social, cultural, Political, Financial and Religious, especially for women in the North”.
In the words of John Terwase Semaka, a Participant from Benue State “Participating in the community dialogue on youth, women and inclusion in electoral processes was both eye-opening and empowering. The room brought together community leaders, women’s groups, youth representatives, CSOs, and government officials, and for once everyone had equal space to speak. I was particularly moved by the testimonies shared by young women who described the barriers they face when trying to contest from financial constraints to cultural expectations and intimidation”
“As a representative of Salvador and Keren Development Initiative (SAKDi) from Benue State, the dialogue created a shared understanding that inclusion is not just about numbers, but about creating an enabling environment. It challenged many of the norms we take for granted in our communities, like the idea that leadership is only for “big men.” Key resolutions were made around political parties adopting affirmative action, INEC making polling units more accessible, and communities sensitising men and traditional rulers to support women and youth aspirants. For me, the biggest impact was seeing participants leave with clear commitments and not just talk. It felt like the start of real action”.
My key takeaway is that: “‘nothing for us, without us.’ Youth and women are not just voters; they are solution providers and must be at the decision-making table. As an individual and as an organization, I learned that inclusion requires intentionality: from how we design programs, to who we invite, to how we support candidates beyond election day. Going forward, I am committed to using my platform to mentor young people, amplify women’s voices, and ensure that SAKDi plays a role in making civic participation safer and more accessible in Benue State and beyond” Tewase added.
A participant from Jos, Plateau State, Blessing Ngozi Emmanuel, Commander Women Vigilante, Bible Faith/Rafin Pa Community, commended the organizers of the dialogue noting that it broadened her perspective on community – based strategies for strengthening electoral integrity and building public trust. According to her, “as a community stakeholder, I now understand clearly the role of community in safeguarding electoral integrity, it is not INEC’s responsibility alone, we all have a role to play at all stages. Also, recognizing the electoral rights of every Nigerian to vote and to be voted for whether a man, woman or people living with disability, every Nigerian has the right to peaceful participation and freedom of choice.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, the call for electoral integrity cannot be overstated. The Kaduna dialogue revealed that credible elections are not the sole responsibility of INEC or security agencies, but a collective duty of citizens, communities, civil society, and political actors. When communities take ownership, when women and youth are included, when offenders are held accountable, and when institutions act with transparency, democracy thrives.
The real test for Nigeria lies not just in conducting elections, but in ensuring that every ballot reflects the true will of the people. Integrity is the lifeblood of democracy; without it, elections become rituals devoid of meaning. With it, they become the foundation of peace, trust, and progress. The 2027 elections must therefore be more than a contest for power; they must be a testament to Nigeria’s resolve to safeguard democracy through inclusion, accountability, and collective responsibility.
Sekyen Dadik Is the Executive Director Africa Media Development Foundation (AMDF)
