Can our votes count in 2027? — Nigerians ask

By Dayo Johnson, Regional Editor, South-West

At the inauguration of the APM presidential campaign office in Ibadan last week, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo, who is also the presidential candidate of the APM, Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of NDC, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state and other opposition figures unveiled a “Reset Nigeria” agenda, where they expressed confidence that Nigerians’ votes will count in next year’s election.

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This is against the backdrop of serving senators, commissioners, council chairmen and state governors openly threatening voters, opponents and dissenting residents with violence, eviction and physical harm if they refused to vote for the ruling All Progressives Party, APC.

As the nation warms up to next January’s general election, some Nigerians have therefore expressed doubts that their votes would count during the election citing the unresolved glitches that occurred in the 2023 elections. They argued that the 2023 election concerns must be addressed before they could entertain any hope that the 2027 election would be different. Others submitted that the hope for a credible election must be matched with institutional safeguards and the resilience of the people to defend their votes.

Unpunished electoral violence, failed tech eroding voters trust — Morris

Alagoa Morris, Chief Operating Officer, Environmental Conservation Agriculture and Rural Development ECARD said: “Practically nothing has been done or said regarding penalties for electoral violence on election day. This is deeply frustrating. I am yet to read or hear of any individual appearing in court, accused of electoral violence, or being jailed as a direct consequence.

“This remains the case despite the widespread violence and atrocities perpetrated during the elections, even when these acts against democracy were broadcast on live television. Given the experience of the 2023 general election, I believe it will take years to restore my lost confidence in our electoral process. INEC promised to deploy electronic transmission, but ultimately, the system proved deeply disappointing.

“It is a shame and deeply unfortunate that we seem to refuse refinement and positive progress. I remain unconvinced that things will be different.”

Hope alone not a strategy — Prof Okaba

A university don and immediate past President, Ijaw National Congress (INC), Prof. Benjamin Okaba, said: “I share the hope that Nigerians’ votes will count in 2027, but hope alone is not a strategy. It must be backed by strong institutions, respect for the rule of law, credible electoral processes, and the determination of citizens to participate and defend democracy peacefully. It is encouraging that leaders and citizens across political divides are uniting under an agenda like “Reset Nigeria” to discuss the nation’s future.

“Democracy thrives when citizens believe their participation matters and grows stronger when they demand accountability. Yet, optimism must be tempered by concern over the intimidation and violence that have marred past elections. Threatening voters or opponents for their political choices has no place in a democracy; elections should be contests of ideas, programmes, and competence, not fear, financial inducement, or brute force. INEC must learn from the shortcomings of 2023, act early and transparently, and ensure its technologies and logistics are thoroughly tested.

“Security agencies must protect voters and the process, not political interests, and anyone who threatens or attacks citizens over their political choices must face the law, regardless of status. Political parties and candidates must campaign on issues, while citizens must not be intimidated: they should register, collect their PVCs, vote according to conscience, and peacefully protect their votes. Democracy is ultimately sustained by citizens who refuse to surrender their civic rights.

I remain cautiously optimistic about 2027, but credible elections require collective responsibility. The reset of Nigeria must begin at the polling unit, and the choice of who leads must belong to Nigerians, determined by their votes, not by fear, violence, or money.”

We must focus on issue-based campaigns — SSRG

According to the Convener, South South Reawakening Group, Joseph Ambakederimo, “The most important thing for me is rhetoric built on the genuine issues bedeviling our country. In the past, people have made unacceptable remarks and statements during election campaigns, and very high-profile personalities have made comments that threatened the very fabric of the nation.

“Yet, in spite of all that, the elections came, votes were counted, and winners were declared. So, regardless of whether the rhetoric is negative or positive, let us not be distracted. We must keep our eyes on the ball, which means focusing on issue-based campaigns.”

Can Nigerians’ votes really count in 2027? — Amananaghan

In his own submission, Tare Maureen Amananaghan, Executive Director, Fringe Voices Development Foundation said: “As an election observer, I welcome the optimism expressed by Governor Seyi Makinde, Peter Obi, Governor Bala Mohammed and other opposition leaders that Nigerians’ votes will count in 2027.

“However, that optimism must be matched with concrete actions and institutional safeguards. The experience of the 2023 elections left serious concerns about transparency, result management, technology, collation and public trust. Those concerns cannot simply be wished away; they must be deliberately addressed ahead of 2027. The bigger question is not whether Nigerians will come out to vote, we have repeatedly demonstrated our willingness to participate.

“The real question is whether every valid vote will be protected, accurately recorded, transparently collated and reflected in the final outcome. Concerns about political intimidation, insecurity and the shrinking space for dissent also make it necessary for INEC, security agencies, political parties, observers, the media and citizens to take greater responsibility for protecting the integrity of the process.

“So, do I believe Nigerians’ votes can count in 2027? Yes, but my optimism is cautious and conditional. We should not merely hope for a credible election; we must actively work for one. Citizens must participate, observe, document and demand accountability through lawful means, while political actors must commit to peaceful competition and respect the will of the people.

“Ultimately, 2027 should not only be about who wins; it should be about whether the Nigerian voter is genuinely allowed to have the decisive voice.”

Votes won’t count on wishful thinking — Gbemre

Coordinator, Niger Delta Peace Coalition, Zik Gbemre, said: “Making Nigerians’ votes count in 2027 cannot be achieved through slogans or wishful thinking. With the level of impunity among politicians and concerns surrounding the conduct and credibility of INEC, political permutations suggest that the desperation to win by all means necessary could escalate in 2027, which does not create an environment where votes can freely count.

“Consider the reported threat by an Abuja Area Council chairman against non-APC supporters, the alleged use of thugs to prevent Peter Obi from entering Yelwata, and continuing concerns over INEC’s handling of opposition parties and access to the ballot. These developments should make every Nigerian concerned about whether the electoral process will truly guarantee that every vote is counted and reflected in the final result.

“However, these odds must not discourage Nigerians from actively participating in the election; on the contrary, the people must come out in their numbers to cast their votes for candidates of their choice, not because of inducements, intimidation or political pressure, but because of their conviction that they want the best people to lead.

“The resilience of the people in defending their votes, from the polling unit through collation to the final declaration of results, could ultimately make the difference and ensure that their votes count”.

I foresee desperation, violence ahead — Retired Army Officer

On his part, Chief Augustine Oko, a retired army officer said, “With the level of violence that is beginning to manifest, one wonders how the 2027 election will turn out. For votes to count in any election, there must be a peaceful atmosphere, and I do not foresee the prospect of that happening in 2027.

“The level of desperation, brigandage, and violence that will take place will be unprecedented. The opposition talking about their votes counting certainly does not have the capacity to match what is coming. Political actors are ready to win at any cost, and with the high level of poverty, young men are willing to go to any length for just a pittance.

“I only hope that Nigeria will remain after the 2027 polls.”

Votes may not count without divine intervention — Educationist

Madam Emmanuella Akom- Retired school principal said: ” All we can do is pray. I sympathize with the opposition, because there is no record that Nigerian voters’ votes have ever counted in any election.

“We hear of people threatening to cut off hands, and others asking people to vacate certain areas if they do not support a particular party. Imagine what happened some days ago in Benue and this is just the beginning of the campaign season. I doubt most polling boxes will even reach the polling units this time.

“Those responsible for guaranteeing free and fair elections are planning and tacitly supporting violence, so how can the real election be free and fair? Let us hope and pray for our country, because the suffering is too much. If democracy were practised the way we do it here, I doubt the system would have lasted this long. Nigeria is a country of particular concern, and the situation is getting worse every day”.

Nigerians must pair optimism with vigilance ahead of 2027 – Akpama

Cross River State Chairman of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Godwin Akpama, said: “Nigerians must approach the 2027 elections with optimism tempered by vigilance and a demand for accountability from all institutions protecting the electoral process.

“The 2023 elections exposed serious weaknesses that cannot be ignored, so INEC must assure citizens that past mistakes will not recur and that every vote will be properly recorded, counted, and reflected in the final outcome. Politicians must also recognise that power belongs to the people, no party owns Nigeria, and every citizen’s right to vote according to conscience must be protected without threat, intimidation, or harassment.

“The opposition has a duty to protect freely given votes by monitoring the process and insisting that announced results reflect the ballots actually cast. Resetting Nigeria also means restoring confidence in the ballot box, because democracy is weakened when citizens believe their votes do not matter. Nigerians must therefore vote, parties must protect their votes, INEC must conduct a transparent election, security agencies must remain neutral, and every institution must respect the will of the people.

“Ultimately, Nigerians must be allowed to decide who governs them, that is the foundation of democracy and the confidence needed for 2027.”

Former Ondo state chairman of SDP, Hon Stephen Adewale

“Nigerians’ votes can count in 2027, but credible elections will not be secured by hopeful declarations alone. They will depend on the legal framework, the independence and preparedness of INEC, the neutrality of security agencies, transparent transmission and collation of results, and the determination of citizens to defend the democratic process peacefully.

“The unresolved controversies surrounding the 2023 general election, particularly the failure to transmit some results electronically as expected, weakened public confidence in the electoral system. That confidence cannot be restored through assurances alone. INEC must explain what went wrong, demonstrate the improvements made since then, test its technology thoroughly and establish procedures that political actors cannot manipulate at the collation stage. Threats against voters, opponents and dissenting residents are equally dangerous.

“No political leader, regardless of party affiliation or office, should be allowed to intimidate citizens or suggest that access to public services depends on electoral loyalty. Such statements should attract prompt investigation and appropriate sanctions. The optimism expressed in Ibadan is therefore desirable, but it must be matched by vigilance and institutional reform.

“Votes will count in 2027 only when the institutions responsible for protecting them act transparently and impartially, and when Nigerians refuse to surrender their democratic rights to fear, inducement or intimidation”.

Former Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly and state Secretary of Afenifere, Rt Hon Bakkita Bello

“When people are determined, they can stop a rolling mountain. When people are resolute, courage sets in. When people become courageous, they also become resilient. And when members of a community are resilient in the face of threats and violence, they can easily and strongly embrace vigilance and protection of their environment and votes. It happened in Osun state in the recently concluded governorship election.

“The lessons learned from that may have challenged other patriots in Nigeria. The threats, intimidations and attacks, though very unnecessary and condemnable in a democracy, unleashed by the APC or any of the other parties, on perceived opponents and opposition voters, may not only generate a backlash from a dissenting public, but as well counterproductively attract sympathy and support for the opposing candidates.

“To ensure that the votes count, all political Parties need to sensitise, educate, mobilise and embolden the electorates well enough and adequately.”

Mr Jimoh Olufemi, Public Affairs Commentator

“Without being pessimistic about the ability of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair and credible elections, I believe Nigerians’ votes can still count to a significant extent, provided opposition political parties do not remain silent in the face of electoral irregularities.

“Opposition parties must be more proactive in drawing the attention of international observers and other relevant stakeholders to any practices capable of undermining the credibility of the electoral process. Silence in the face of irregularities only weakens the people’s confidence in democracy and gives room for malpractice to thrive.

“We should also remind ourselves that the August 2026 governorship election in Osun State has demonstrated that credible electoral outcomes are possible when citizens are sufficiently patriotic and willing to take their civic responsibilities seriously. The responsibility for protecting the sanctity of the ballot box does not rest solely with INEC or political parties.

“The electorate also has a crucial role to play by turning out to vote, safeguarding their votes and speaking up when the integrity of the process is threatened. Ultimately, the credibility of our elections will depend not only on the institutions conducting them, but also on the vigilance, courage and civic commitment of the Nigerian people.”

Mr Ola Animasaun, Public Affairs Analyst

“Given the seeming improvement in INEC’s preparedness during the recent off-cycle election, it is not impossible that the next general elections could represent a significant improvement over previous election cycles.

“Meanwhile, INEC must ensure a level playing field before and during the elections, while political parties and their candidates must also endeavour to play by the rules. As long as the IReV (INEC Election Results Viewing) system for the transmission of election results can be effectively strengthened and made more reliable, there is no reason why the electorate should not have confidence in the overall outcome of the elections.”

Comrade Ashaye Wasiu, Chairman, United Action for Democracy (UAD), Ogun State chapter

“As Nigeria looks ahead to the 2027 general elections, optimism about a transparent, free, fair and credible electoral process must be matched by concrete action. Nigerians do not need more political speeches and rallies; they need civic enlightenment, voter sensitization, institutional accountability and visible reforms that restore confidence in the ballot. I agree with the call to “Reset Nigeria” and, more importantly, to “Reset INEC’s 2023 gaps.” The two are inseparable.

“The credibility of the 2027 elections will depend largely on how seriously the country addresses the weaknesses exposed during the 2023 elections. At the heart of the opposition’s demand is a simple principle: let the vote be the vote. Given the allegations of intimidation, irregularities and unresolved concerns arising from 2023, that demand deserves serious consideration.

“For Nigerians’ votes to truly count in 2027, at least three things must change. First is the reliability of electoral technology. BVAS and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) have become important components of Nigeria’s electoral process. Properly deployed, they can strengthen voter accreditation, improve transparency and make manipulation more difficult. But technology is only useful when it works. INEC must therefore conduct comprehensive pre-election tests, train personnel early and provide reliable backup mechanisms where network or technical failures occur.

“Second is greater citizen vigilance. Voters, civil society organisations, journalists and election observers must actively monitor the process, document polling-unit results and track their transmission. Citizens should not be spectators on election day. Their participation can provide an additional layer of accountability. Third is effective enforcement of electoral laws. Vote-buying, intimidation, ballot snatching and other electoral offences must attract swift investigation and prosecution. Elections cannot be credible where offenders believe they will never face consequences.

“There are, however, serious concerns that must be addressed before 2027. The first is the trust deficit. Lingering questions over the 2023 elections, coupled with threats against voters and political opponents, have weakened public confidence. The second is logistics failure. Late arrival of election materials, inadequate training of ad-hoc personnel and network challenges can undermine even the best electoral technology.

“Security personnel must protect voters, INEC officials and election materials, not intimidate citizens or become instruments of partisan politics. To strengthen the 2027 elections, INEC should publish a clear post-mortem of the 2023 elections, explaining what went wrong with BVAS and IReV and what has been done to prevent a recurrence”.

SDP governorship candidate in Oyo State, Mogaji Olusegun Agboola: 

“Nigerians have heard political promises and optimistic declarations about elections before. What matters is not what politicians say on campaign platforms, but whether the electoral environment will actually allow the people to freely choose their leaders and have their votes genuinely counted. It is easy for politicians who are positioning themselves for power in 2027 to tell Nigerians that their votes will count. The more difficult question is: what concrete steps are they taking to ensure that those votes are protected?

“We cannot pretend that the concerns arising from the 2023 general election have disappeared. Nigerians witnessed serious controversies surrounding the conduct, transmission and collation of election results. Many citizens were left disappointed by the process, and the credibility questions that followed have not simply vanished because another election is approaching. So, I would rather not give Nigerians false reassurance.

“I am optimistic about the Nigerian people, but I am cautious about the system. The Nigerian people are ready to vote. They have demonstrated repeatedly that they understand the power of their votes. The problem is whether the political and institutional environment will guarantee that the votes they cast are protected and faithfully reflected in the final outcome

“That is what INEC must answer to Nigerians. It is not enough for INEC to tell Nigerians that their votes will count. The Commission must demonstrate, through its preparations and conduct, that every vote will be properly recorded, transmitted, collated and protected. Likewise, security agencies must understand that their responsibility during elections is to protect voters and the democratic process, not political interests.

“Any attempt to intimidate voters, harass opponents or suppress dissent must be resisted, irrespective of the political party involved. I am particularly worried by the increasingly aggressive language coming from some political actors ahead of 2027. Democracy cannot survive where voters are threatened for expressing preferences different from those of people in power. No political office holder has the constitutional authority to determine who Nigerians must vote for.”

“The ballot belongs to the people.

“The real test of 2027 will be whether an ordinary Nigerian can walk into a polling unit without fear, cast his or her vote freely, and be confident that the vote will be counted exactly as cast. That is the standard we must demand. We must not merely hope that votes will count. We must collectively insist that they count.“

Former Ekiti State Commissioner, Lanre Ogunsuyi

“The optimism expressed by opposition leaders over the 2027 elections is welcome, but Nigerians have every reason to remain skeptical, or at least be cautious. The credibility crisis surrounding the 2023 elections, the unresolved BVAS glitches, the alleged political intimidation and threats against opposition raise legitimate questions about whether the ballot will truly determine the outcome. 

“INEC’s promised reforms are encouraging, but technology and reforms alone cannot defeat political manipulation, regional weakness or abuse of power. Opposition parties must unite, voters must remain vigilant, and INEC must earn public trust. Nigerians should hope, but prepare to defend every vote. Nigerians should ensure, as they have done in the Osun elections, that they defend their votes after voting. It is hoped that the 2027 elections will be without glitches and the results will reflect the yearnings of the voters, such that it will not be another exercise in futility that will end in endless tribunal cases.”

Let the people decide who they want – Edo IPAC chair

Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Edo State, Bishop Akhalamhe said: “What we have observed over time is desperation among some political parties and leaders who seek power not for the people but to remain in power. If you want to lead because you see a vacuum or a knowledge gap to fill, that is acceptable but nobody should perceive you as desperate to acquire power by any means. Ultimately, it is the people that matter.

“Tell them what you will do, sell your manifesto, and present good policies. If your policies are sound and people see that they are okay, why would they not vote for you? Let the people decide who they want. We must deepen democracy so that Nigerians will benefit from its dividends. Coming to power is not the issue, what the people want and what you did when you were there before is what matters.”

Nigerians can make votes count – MBF

The National President of the Middle Belt Forum, MBF, Dr Bitrus Pogu, has expressed confidence that Nigerians can ensure their votes count in the 2027 general elections if they remain determined to defend the electoral process.

According to him, “The fact that the ruling party is becoming so nervous, attacking or threatening to attack opponents and so on, it is an indication that votes might count. That is why they are doing that. Otherwise, if they know they can just write the results and get away with it, there wouldn’t be any reason for them to intimidate the opponents.

“So, if Nigerians resolve to say nothing, INEC will do anything and succeed other than doing the right thing. I believe the whole exercise and the whole ability to make things work rightly is in the hands of Nigerians.”

Samuel Oyadongha; Olasunkanmi Akoni; Rotimi Ojomoyela; Peter Duru; Egufe Yafugborhi; Ozioruva Aliu; Emma Una; Ike Uchechkwu; Emem Idio; James Ogunnaike & Deola Badru also contributed to this report.

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