2027: Observers Seek Protection for Credible Polls

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

A coalition of independent election observers, has raised concerns over the safety of its members, calling on authorities to guarantee protection and ensure a credible electoral process nationwide.

The appeal was made yesterday by leader of a national delegation of independent observers drawn from groups, Chief Dr Lazarus Nwachukwu, in a statement.

The groups included the Centre for the Promotion of Peace and Unity, the National Council of NGOs and Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria, and the Forum of Independent Election Observers of Nigeria.

In the statement by Alhaji Bashiru Mohammed on behalf of the delegation, Nwachukwu urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the country’s security agencies to ensure that the 2027 elections were conducted without intimidation, harassment, or misuse of state institutions.

He emphasised that observers must be allowed to operate freely before, during, and after the elections, noting that their role was vital to strengthening democracy and public confidence in the electoral process.

“We will not allow anyone, regardless of status, to intimidate or undermine the work of this delegation,” Nwachukwu said, stressing the group’s commitment to impartiality and transparency.

 According to him, the delegation comprised seasoned professionals and administrators with decades of experience in election observation.

He reiterated the group’s long-standing procedures, which included formally notifying electoral and security authorities of their activities, conducting courtesy visits to relevant institutions, and organising press briefings at various stages of the electoral process.