As conversations heat up nationwide regarding the integrity of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Special Adviser to the Vice President, has issued a stark warning: only a transparent and credible electoral process can prevent Nigeria from plunging into unprecedented chaos. Baba-Ahmed’s caution comes amid growing concerns over electoral malpractice, declining public trust in state institutions, and the political direction ahead of the critical 2027 polls.
In a public statement on July 28, 2025, Baba-Ahmed stressed that anything less than the highest standards of transparency in the electoral process would threaten national stability. He called on the country’s leaders and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to act with utmost integrity and urgency to rebuild public confidence, which has eroded since the 2023 elections. “Voices are being raised regarding the integrity of the 2027 elections. Our leaders and INEC should listen. Anything short of the most credible elections will lead to crises,” he declared.
Baba-Ahmed warned that the risks of vote rigging, political exclusion, and failure to address electoral grievances could drive Nigeria into political turmoil. He urged stakeholders especially at the federal and state levels to prioritize electoral reforms over partisan interests, noting that the credibility of INEC appointments and the process for amending the Electoral Act are crucial steps needing immediate attention.
The former adviser’s warning comes as civil society groups and democracy advocates also highlight the dangers of an election season marred by poverty, voter apathy, and increasing monetization of the electoral process. Calls have intensified for lawmakers and INEC to address ongoing legal reforms and institute practices that guarantee free, fair, and transparent elections in 2027.
Baba-Ahmed’s message is clear: if Nigeria fails to uphold the credibility of its democratic process, the nation risks unrest that could undermine both its unity and its future.
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