By Fatima Aliyu
Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) West Africa has warned that emerging security threats could undermine democratic participation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation identified misinformation, political violence, attacks on opposition figures and disruption of peaceful political gatherings as major threats to credible and inclusive elections.
Facilitator of CDD West Africa, Edosa Oviawe, raised the concerns during a courtesy visit to the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kaduna State Council, where he sought the union’s partnership in promoting election security awareness.
Oviawe explained that CDD was monitoring emerging election-related security threats to identify potential risks and develop preventive measures ahead of the polls.
He identified misinformation and disinformation, attacks on political gatherings, intimidation of opposition supporters and threats against candidates as issues that could discourage citizens from participating in the electoral process.
The CDD facilitator urged journalists to intensify public enlightenment, educate citizens on the dangers of false information and hold political actors accountable for their conduct.
He warned that violence and intimidation during political campaigns could increase voter apathy, stressing that citizens must be free to support candidates of their choice without fear.
Oviawe also disclosed that CDD was planning a high-level Election Security Dialogue involving about 30 stakeholders, including the NUJ, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to examine identified threats and develop strategies for peaceful elections.
Responding, Chairman of NUJ Kaduna State Council, Alhaji Abdulgafar Alabelewe, welcomed the initiative and expressed the union’s readiness to collaborate with CDD in promoting peace, security and democratic participation.
Alabelewe noted that insecurity could further worsen voter apathy in 2027, adding that voter registration alone does not guarantee active participation in elections.
He said the CDD presentation had highlighted the security dimension of voter apathy, which requires collective action by journalists, political actors and other stakeholders.
The NUJ chairman assured CDD of the council’s support in publicising election security concerns through radio programmes and other media platforms. He also urged the organisation to provide relevant information and press releases for wider dissemination among journalists in Kaduna State.
Alabelewe reaffirmed the union’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to promote peaceful elections, responsible political engagement and the protection of citizens’ democratic rights.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
