As the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has issued a Clarion call to all tiers of government, electoral authorities, and political actors to prioritize the safeguarding of Nigeria’s democracy. In a comprehensive statement released over the weekend, the organization emphasized that the nation’s future relies on transparent institutions, credible electoral processes, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The CAPPA Board of Directors, following a high-level meeting in Abuja, warned that the legitimacy of the upcoming elections depends entirely on their being free, fair, and inclusive.
The group stressed that the government must act now to prevent a repeat of previous cycles marred by irregularities and public distrust.
Safeguarding Electoral Integrity
The organization highlighted that the integrity of the 2027 polls will be a litmus test for Nigeria’s democratic resilience. CAPPA urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to initiate early preparations to guarantee transparency and ensure that every vote counts.
“Nigeria cannot afford another electoral cycle marred by irregularities, hate-speech, and loss of public trust,” the organization noted. “The credibility of the elections will depend on the resolve of government at all levels, institutions, and political actors to uphold the rule of law.”
The board further challenged the judiciary to remain an impartial arbiter, resisting any attempts to subvert the will of the people. Additionally, CAPPA called for an end to the “influence of money” in politics, noting that vote-buying and the capture of institutions by powerful interests directly undermine governance.
Addressing the National Security Crisis
Beyond the electoral landscape, CAPPA expressed grave concern over the deteriorating security situation. Despite high budgetary allocations to the defense sector, the board noted that many Nigerians still live in fear of kidnappings, senseless killings, and violent attacks.
The organization lamented that ransom payments have become routine, signaling a breakdown in effective state protection. “It is deeply troubling that senseless killings, kidnappings, and violent attacks persist despite the enormous public resources committed annually to security,” the statement read. CAPPA is now demanding a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s security architecture, advocating for a people-centered approach that prioritizes intelligence gathering and community engagement.
Demanding Economic Justice and Accountability
On the economic front, the board lamented that recent reforms most notably the removal of fuel subsidy have yet to provide relief to the average household. Instead, Nigerians are facing unprecedented levels of inflation, food insecurity, and unemployment.
CAPPA argued that while fiscal reforms may be necessary, they must not be executed at the expense of the most vulnerable. The organization called for the transparent management of increased revenues to ensure they are used to build critical social infrastructure, such as healthcare, education, and water systems.
“The expected gains from subsidy removal and increased revenues must be transparently managed and equitably distributed to create jobs and reduce poverty,” the board stated, urging authorities to implement policies that cushion the harsh impacts of these reforms.
A Commitment to Accountability
Concluding the statement, Board Chairman Auwal Musa Rafsanjani and Executive Director Akinbode Oluwafemi reaffirmed CAPPA’s commitment to working with civil society and the media to promote active public participation in governance. The leadership maintained that this is a critical moment to reset national priorities and ensure that the government fulfills its primary obligation: the protection and prosperity of its citizens.
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