Experts have urged Nigerians to actively prepare for credible elections in 2027, warning that the failures of 2023, particularly legal loopholes and mismanagement, must be addressed to restore public confidence in the voting process.
Speaking at the First Daily Lecture on “How Can We Make Our Vote Count in 2027?”, Gloria Mabiem Ballason Esq. said, “If Nigerians come out in millions to vote, it is impossible for elections to be rigged.”
She questioned whether any ruling party’s return in 2027 would stem from trust in free and fair elections, adding, “The only confidence of the ruling party to return is through a compromised electoral process and a compromised judiciary.”
Ballason emphasised that citizens, particularly those affected by misgovernance, must strategize to galvanize awareness and restore hope that votes can truly make a difference.
Highlighting the link between credible elections and national stability, she said, “Peaceful elections follow only when the process is fair and transparent.”
READ ALSO: Citizens Must Treat Elections as a Matter of Survival — Tietie
She warned against selective amnesia, urging Nigerians to remember past election failures, investigate irregularities, and demand accountability instead of relying solely on courts to enforce justice.
She also critiqued election mechanisms like peace accords, describing them as well-intentioned but ineffective if they fail to prevent vote manipulation.
“The emphasis must remain on ensuring that votes truly count,” she said.
Ballason drew attention to Section 23 of the Nigerian Constitution, which addresses national ethics. “These are not suggestions,” she stressed, adding that “Unless we commit to these principles, we cannot have a country that works.”
She concluded that rebuilding Nigeria requires deliberate commitment to integrity, accountability, and the mobilisation of citizens to safeguard their votes.