Adebayo Warns on Nigeria's 2027 Election Credibility

Oluwafemi John Adebayo, the Head of Research and Programmes at Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI), stated that the credibility of Nigeria's 2027 general election is being determined well before election day. In an interview with DAILY POST on Monday, Adebayo highlighted that while administrative preparations are underway, deeper issues affecting the election's integrity remain unaddressed.

He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has published its timetable, political parties have conducted primaries, and voter registration is generating interest. However, he stressed that elections should not be judged solely on these activities, as public confidence can be undermined if citizens believe outcomes are predetermined.

Adebayo pointed out that the conduct of party primaries has already impacted the election's quality, citing issues such as elite influence, candidate imposition, and internal divisions within parties, particularly the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He concluded that political parties play a crucial role in democracy, and their failure to conduct credible internal elections erodes the credibility of the general election.