The International Republican Institute has said persistent insecurity and election-related political violence are the biggest threats to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, warning that they could undermine voter participation and public confidence in the electoral process.
The IRI President, Daniel Twining, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja at a press conference on the institute’s pre-election assessment mission to Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Twining, who said the delegation had engaged more than 65 stakeholders, stressed that Nigeria’s electoral credibility would depend not only on technical preparations but also on citizens’ ability to participate without fear and trust that their votes would be respected.
“The most acute vulnerability identified by our election observation assessment mission is security. Persistent insecurity and election-related political violence erode confidence in the electoral process and depress voter participation.
“Where voters, candidates, and observers cannot participate without fear of violence or intimidation, technical improvements and legal safeguards have only limited effect,” Twining said.
