As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 elections, tensions are mounting within the political landscape. The opposition coalition has vehemently accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of implementing measures that hinder the registration of new political parties. This has raised serious concerns about the state of democracy in the country and the fairness of the forthcoming elections.
Dr. Salihu Lukman, a prominent figure in the coalition and former National Vice Chairman for the North-West of the All Progressives Congress (APC), expressed grave concerns over the impact of INEC’s actions. He noted that many existing registered parties, which failed to secure any seats in the last general election, now face the looming threat of deregistration. This situation has left them vulnerable and questioning their political future.
In his statement, Lukman revealed that faced with this challenging reality, members of the coalition have engaged in negotiations with some of the existing parties that have successfully met electoral thresholds. He remarked, "Negotiating with political parties is one of the most daunting challenges we face. Many coalition members have been working on this for over a year now."
Lukman further highlighted a troubling trend: numerous groups, including some coalition members, have submitted applications to register new political parties, only to have their efforts thwarted by INEC for reasons that remain unclear. "The only conclusion that can be drawn from this situation is that INEC has effectively decided to block the registration of new parties," he asserted.
This predicament is exacerbated by the fact that potential new parties negotiating with the coalition are seemingly being pushed towards a crisis, mirroring the struggles faced by established parties like the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). According to Lukman, this is creating a landscape where the ruling APC appears to be the only viable option for candidates in the upcoming elections.
"The timing of this repression is particularly disheartening," Lukman lamented. "It occurs under the leadership of a party that claims to champion progressive ideals, and under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has historically been a strong advocate for Nigeria's democratic progress."
He argued that the rapid constriction of Nigeria’s democratic space is reminiscent of an authoritarian regime, where the determination and resilience of the populace are being tested under the current administration.
Lukman concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the coalition's commitment to leadership that prioritizes the preservation and strengthening of Nigerian democracy. "We cannot wait until 2027 to awaken to a sobering reality where Nigerians find themselves legally incapacitated. We must address the increasing threats to the rule of law, which endanger the democratic development of our nation."
As the clock ticks down to the elections, it remains crucial for stakeholders within Nigeria’s political arena to advocate for a fair, transparent, and open democratic process that allows for the flourishing of diverse political voices.
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