As preparations intensify for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, stakeholders have renewed calls for stronger electoral reforms, institutional transparency and judicial integrity to restore public confidence in the country’s democratic process.
Speaking on The Conversation on Lagos Television, legal practitioner and political affairs commentator Bosun Osifowora stressed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must demonstrate strict compliance with the Electoral Act and operate with greater transparency to rebuild public trust following the divisions that emerged during the 2023 general elections.
According to him, the electorate remains deeply polarised along ethnic and generational lines, making comprehensive voter education, transparent electoral processes and seamless electronic transmission of results essential to restoring confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
Osifowora noted that one of the significant reforms introduced by the Electoral Act is the establishment of shorter timelines for the determination of election petitions. He explained that resolving disputes within clearly defined statutory deadlines prevents prolonged legal battles from disrupting governance and creating unnecessary political uncertainty.
He added that faster resolution of election disputes also discourages elected officials from using public resources to finance lengthy court cases while reducing opportunities for unnecessary legal delays.
The legal practitioner further highlighted the need for greater financial independence for INEC. While the Electoral Act provides that the commission should receive funding at least six months before general elections, he argued that true institutional independence requires a guaranteed annual budget that is insulated from executive control.
According to Osifowora, such a funding structure would strengthen the commission’s operational capacity, improve long-term planning and eliminate concerns about possible financial interference.
He also drew attention to campaign finance regulations contained in the Electoral Act, noting that although the law prescribes spending limits and fundraising restrictions, enforcement remains weak. He maintained that stronger monitoring mechanisms are required to ensure compliance and prevent excessive financial influence in elections.
Speaking on the role of the judiciary, Osifowora observed that election petitions are determined based on the principle of substantial compliance with the law rather than absolute perfection. He argued that visible adherence to legal procedures and transparent electoral administration would play a critical role in strengthening public trust in future elections.
He further warned that Nigeria’s political culture has increasingly become dominated by “do-or-die” politics, driven by the perception that political office is the quickest path to wealth and influence. According to him, this mindset encourages desperate political competition and weakens democratic values.
Osifowora said the growing commercialisation of politics places enormous pressure on the judiciary, which often serves as the final arbiter in highly contested elections. He called for reforms that would promote accountability, strengthen democratic institutions and redirect politics toward genuine public service rather than personal enrichment.
The discussions formed part of The Conversation on Lagos Television, focusing on Electoral Act and Political Stabilityand The Judiciary and the Road to the 2027 General Elections, where experts examined the legal, institutional and governance reforms needed to deepen Nigeria’s democracy.
