The INEC electoral violence warning ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections has highlighted growing risks from insecurity, disinformation, and declining voter turnout.
The Independent National Electoral Commission said these challenges could weaken public confidence in the electoral process and affect national stability. The concerns were raised during a high-level security lecture in Abuja.
The warning was issued by INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, at the second annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies.
The lecture focused on the theme, “Credible Elections and National Security in Nigeria,” and brought together security experts and policymakers.
INEC identified emerging threats linked to digital platforms, including misinformation, disinformation, and external interference.
These issues are developing alongside persistent physical security challenges such as insurgency, communal clashes, and election-related violence across parts of the country.
Speaking at the event, the INEC chairman described the current electoral risk environment as complex and evolving.
He said the convergence of digital and physical threats could undermine trust in election outcomes if not addressed effectively.
“It is our collective responsibility to close this gap with surgical precision,” Yakubu said, stressing the importance of credible elections in maintaining national stability.
The commission also highlighted declining voter turnout as a major concern. According to INEC, turnout dropped from 53 percent in 2011 to 26 percent in 2023, indicating reduced public participation in the electoral process.
“Voter apathy is no longer just a civic concern but a growing security challenge,” Yakubu said, noting that low turnout could create vulnerabilities in the system.
To address these concerns, INEC said it has introduced updated voter education materials, including a revised National Voter Education Manual and a youth-focused Civic and Voter Education Manual.
The initiative was developed in collaboration with civil society organisations to improve awareness and participation.
Former Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mike Igini, also spoke at the event and criticised the 2026 Electoral Act amendment, describing it as “a tragedy” and “a regression” compared to the 2022 version.
He said the legal framework governing elections plays a key role in ensuring credibility and public trust.
The INEC electoral violence warning underscores the growing link between electoral integrity and national security.
The combination of insecurity and digital misinformation presents new challenges that may require stronger coordination between electoral and security institutions.
Declining voter participation also raises concerns about democratic legitimacy. Reduced turnout can weaken confidence in election outcomes and increase the impact of misinformation and external influence.
The situation highlights the need for sustained voter education, improved security planning, and strengthened legal frameworks ahead of the 2027 elections.
