By PERPETUA ONUEGBU

A civil society organisation, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has expressed worries over the preparedness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2027 general elections.

The Executive Director of CISLAC and Head, Transparency International Nigeria, Auwal Rafsanjani, expressed the worries while featuring in the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Personality Interview Series in Abuja on Sunday.

Rafsanjani said his scepticism about the commission’s capability to conduct the election stemmed from the reported lapses in the recent by-elections held in Rivers and Kano as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) area council elections.

He said that the experiences had cast doubt on INEC’s capacity to deliver credible nationwide elections if urgent reforms were not effected.

“To be honest, with what we experienced in Rivers and Kano States and even during council elections in Abuja recently, we cannot be fully confident that INEC is prepared for 2027.

“The commission will need to work seriously toward blocking the gaps and lapses that were evident,” he said.

Among the issues he highlighted were the alleged omission of major opposition political parties from the ballot in some locations, a development he described as a “costly mistake” capable of undermining electoral credibility and fairness.

He also cited the alleged poor treatment of persons with disabilities (PWDs) during the elections as another major concern.

“In all these three elections, people with disabilities have complained vehemently about their inability to be supported, to access or participate in the elections.

“Now, with the new Electoral Act, many Nigerians are yet to familiarise themselves with the amended law, which means that INEC must do a lot in public education and sensitisation.

“Civil societies are doing their best, but they are not the government; they can only complement them. INEC must take the lead in educating the public,” he said.

Rafsanjani identified logistical challenges as recurring problems that could erode public trust if not urgently addressed.

According to him, reports of missing election materials, delays at polling units and concerns about the training of election personnel are other factors capable of affecting voter confidence.

“If simple materials meant for polling units are not delivered, if voters continue to experience difficulties or if personnel are not properly trained to handle election processes, it will be extremely difficult for Nigerians to trust INEC’s capacity,” he warned.

The head of Transparency International in Nigeria advised the electoral body to act decisively to restore public confidence and meet both national and international expectations for credible elections.

As preparations gradually begin for the 2027 general elections, he said that the coming months would be crucial for INEC to demonstrate reforms, strengthen logistics, enhance inclusivity and rebuild trust in Nigeria’s electoral process. (NAN)

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