By Teddy Daniel
Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) has identified misinformation, attacks on political gatherings and unlawful arrests of opposition figures as emerging security threats that could undermine voter participation and the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
The organisation says growing security concerns surrounding political activities are already creating fear among citizens, with some voters worried about their safety if they turn out to exercise their franchise.
Policy and Development Consultant with CDD, Edosa Oviawe, stated this during a stakeholders’ dialogue organised by the organisation on the theme, *Strengthening Election Security for Credible and Peaceful 2027 General Elections.
Mr Oviawe explained that the engagement was designed to bring key election stakeholders together to examine emerging threats beyond the country’s traditional security challenges and develop practical solutions to address them.
He identified the proliferation of fake news and information disorder, attacks on peaceful gatherings and unlawful arrests of opposition figures as some of the concerns requiring urgent attention as the elections approach.
The CDD consultant said participants had also examined the potential impact of social media-related challenges and other emerging threats on the electoral process, agreeing on the need for collective action to address them.
He stressed the need for relevant authorities, particularly security agencies, to reassure Nigerians by providing clear information and demonstrating practical measures being taken to guarantee their safety during the elections.
Mr Oviawe observed that attacks on political gatherings and other security concerns could discourage citizens from participating in the electoral process, particularly those who fear losing their lives while attempting to vote.
He, however, called on Nigerians not to leave the responsibility of protecting democracy to political leaders and government institutions alone, stressing that every citizen had a role to play in sustaining democratic governance.
According to him, citizens must actively participate in the electoral process rather than remain at home and leave decisions about the country’s democratic future to a few political elites.
Also speaking, a participant at the dialogue and Desk Officer for Abuse of Rights and Narcotics at the National Orientation Agency, Mrs Esther Kalau, said addressing the security challenges surrounding elections must go beyond deploying security personnel and educating citizens about their rights to include changing people’s attitudes and behaviour.
She argued that without a change in societal values and individual choices, efforts to secure the electoral environment might not achieve the desired results.
Mrs Kalau identified the family, educational institutions, religious organisations and the National Orientation Agency as important institutions with responsibilities for shaping citizens’ character and promoting positive values.
She expressed concern over growing dysfunction in families and the erosion of societal values, calling for renewed attention to value-based education, including subjects such as History and Religious Studies.
The NOA official said the agency was also working with the National Identity Charter to promote values such as patriotism, hard work and responsible citizenship.
She added that religious institutions, given their influence in Nigerian society, should also use their platforms to encourage responsible behaviour and peaceful participation in the electoral process.
Mrs Kalau further called on Nigerians to recognise that while they have control over their actions, they cannot always determine the consequences, urging citizens to make choices that protect lives, institutions and the country’s future.
She also urged Nigerians to encourage one another to participate in the elections despite growing apathy associated with vote buying and other electoral challenges.
Mrs Kalau called for collective efforts to keep the country safe, strengthen its democratic process and preserve it for future generations.
The workshop, themed Strengthening Election Security for Credible and Peaceful 2027 General Elections, was attended by traditional leaders, representatives of civil society organisations, academics, media practitioners, security agencies and legal professionals, among other key stakeholders.
Editing By Yusuf Zubairu
