Ondo State Deputy Gov. Olayide Adelami said credible Nigerian elections in 2027 will depend on multiple institutions sharing responsibility, arguing that the electoral commission cannot secure public confidence alone.
BusinessDay reported that Adelami addressed an online forum on Oct. 28, hosted by the Ondo/Ekiti States chapter of the Alumni Association of National Institute (AANI). The gathering addressed how democratic institutions could support credible elections in Nigeria in 2027 and beyond.
Adelami said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) should not carry the responsibility for election credibility by itself. He called for security agencies, the media, the judiciary, political parties and voters to contribute to free, fair and credible polls.
He cited protecting election materials and voters, internal democracy in political parties, an independent judiciary and patriotic citizens as factors that can strengthen elections. He also urged adherence to established laws governing the electoral process.
Security agencies, Adelami said, should help maintain public confidence and order during elections. He praised AANI for bringing election and democratic-institution issues into national discussion, saying that focus could promote good governance.
Adelami said Nigerian elections had improved over time. He cited challenges that followed the introduction of BVAS and said the system was being refined.
AANI National President Emmanuel Obi Okafor highlighted political leadership, impartial security arrangements and an informed, active public as important to credible elections.
Chapter Chairman Jide Akinleye said the forum was intended to ready key participants and the public for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. He said AANI would present actionable proposals for institutional reforms when the event concluded.
