File photo: Independent National Electoral Commission
The Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria has warned that alleged attempts to undermine the independence of the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 general elections could push Nigeria towards a democratic crisis.
The institute gave the warning in a Democracy Day statement signed by its Founder and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Iliyasu Gashinbaki, where it argued that allegations of electoral manipulation, the emergence of a dominant-party system and interference in key democratic institutions should not be dismissed as conspiracy theories.
“They are the known pathologies of democratic collapse leading to failed states. If these conditions persist into 2027, our elections cannot be free or fair,” Gashinbaki said.
CIFCFIN said urgent reforms were required to protect the credibility of the 2027 elections, including mandatory electronic transmission of results, an independently audited voters’ register and investigation of judicial officers accused of compromising the electoral process.
