Can our votes count in 2027? — Nigerians ask

By Dayo Johnson, Regional Editor , South-West At the inauguration of the APM presidential campaign office in Ibadan last week, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo, who is also the presidential candidate of the APM, Mr Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of NDC, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state and other opposition figures unveiled a “Reset Nigeria” agenda, where they expressed confidence that Nigerians’ votes will count in next year’s election. Read Also: Atiku won’t quit 2027 race, ADC chieftain tackles Kwankwaso This is against the backdrop of serving senators, commissioners, council chairmen and state governors openly threatening voters, opponents and dissenting residents with violence, eviction and physical harm if they refused to vote for the ruling All Progressives Party, APC.

As the nation warms up to next January’s general election, some Nigerians have therefore expressed doubts that their votes would count during the election citing the unresolved glitches that occurred in the 2023 elections. They argued that the 2023 election concerns must be addressed before they could entertain any hope that the 2027 election would be different. Others submitted that the hope for a credible election must be matched with institutional safeguards and the resilience of the people to defend their votes. Unpunished electoral violence, failed tech eroding voters trust — Morris Alagoa Morris, Chief Operating Officer, Environmental Conservation Agriculture and Rural Development ECARD said: “Practically nothing has been done or said regarding penalties for electoral violence on election day. This is deeply frustrating. I am yet to read or hear of any individual appearing in court, accused of electoral violence, or being jailed as a direct consequence. “This remains the case despite…