2027 In Focus: CAPPA Warns Democracy At Risk Without Urgent Reforms
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
As Nigeria inches closer to the 2027 general elections, growing concerns over insecurity, economic hardship, and institutional weakness are casting a long shadow over the country’s democratic future.
Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has urged the government, electoral bodies, and political actors to take decisive steps to safeguard democracy, ensure credible elections, and address the deepening socio-economic crisis affecting millions of Nigerians.
In a statement issued in Abuja after its board meeting, CAPPA stressed that credible elections must go beyond periodic voting to include transparent processes, strong institutions, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The organisation warned that the legitimacy of the 2027 polls would depend on their fairness, inclusiveness, and freedom from violence, voter suppression, and political intimidation.
It called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to begin early preparations to guarantee transparency and ensure that every vote counts, while also urging the judiciary to resist any attempt to undermine the will of the people.
CAPPA also raised alarm over the growing influence of money in politics, noting that vote-buying and weak internal party democracy continue to erode public trust and destabilise governance.
On security, the group expressed concern over persistent killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks across the country, despite huge budgetary allocations.
It described the increasing reliance on ransom payments as a troubling sign of failing state protection.
The organisation further criticised the economic situation, saying recent reforms, including fuel subsidy removal, have yet to ease the burden on ordinary Nigerians.
Instead, inflation, unemployment, and food insecurity continue to worsen living conditions.
CAPPA called for greater accountability in public spending, investment in essential services such as healthcare and education, and policies that protect vulnerable citizens from the harsh effects of economic reforms.
The statement jointly signed by the organisation’s Board Chairman, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, and its Executive
Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, reaffirmed CAPPA’s commitment to civic engagement and pledged to continue working with civil society and the media to promote transparency and public participation in governance.
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