Analyst warns of risks to Nigeria’s 2027 elections — Premium Times Nigeria
Nigerian political economy analyst Uche Igwe, in a column for Premium Times Nigeria, said there are signs of “state capture” ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections. By this term, he means a systemic form of corruption in which narrow political elites or private groups influence laws, policies and state institutions in their own interests.
According to Igwe, some citizens are losing trust in the police, electoral bodies, anti-corruption structures and the judicial system. The author also claims that many voters do not believe their votes can influence the outcome of an election.
Criticism of state institutions
Igwe writes that state institutions allegedly act to protect the interests of the ruling party and against the opposition. In his view, democratic checks and balances in the country, including judicial independence, are weakening.
The author criticizes Nigeria’s National Assembly under Senate President Akpabio, stating that it does not provide proper oversight of the executive branch. He also claims that anti-corruption procedures are allegedly being used against key opposition figures, which, in his assessment, deepens distrust, apathy and disappointment in society.
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According to the analyst, groups that gain influence over state institutions may use resources to buy votes and influence election officials and security forces. He also writes about such groups investing in media outlets and affiliated civil society organizations to promote narratives that benefit them and suppress criticism.
Reports of violence and threats
In his column, Igwe states that political violence and intimidation are spreading in the country. According to his claim, 29 people were killed during recent elections in Osun State. He also wrote that social media influencer Ibrahim Khalil, who criticized the authorities, was allegedly killed at his home in the Gaida-Kwarters area of Kano State.
Igwe refers to reports of threats from certain representatives of the ruling All Progressives Congress. In particular, he said Borno State commissioner Sainna Buba allegedly threatened to cut off the fingers of those who would not vote for the party, while Kuje Area Council chairman Danjuma Shekwolo called on residents either to vote for the APC or leave the council territory.
In the author’s view, the 2027 elections could become an opportunity for citizens to counter the trends he describes.
