TIF Pledges Commitment to Credible, Transparent 2027 Elections

The Integrity Forum (TIF), a non-governmental organisation, has reaffirmed its commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the 2027 general elections are free, fair, credible, and reflective of the will of the Nigerian people.

The Coordinator of TIF, Bayo Averehi, made this known in a statement, stressing that the organisation has continued to engage political parties, civil society organisations, election observers and other critical stakeholders to promote a peaceful and transparent electoral process that meets internationally accepted democratic standards.

Averehi said the 2027 general elections would be a major test of the credibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging the electoral umpire to strengthen public confidence by delivering elections that are transparent, peaceful and devoid of malpractice.

"The 2027 general election presents another opportunity for INEC to reassure Nigerians and the international community of its commitment to conducting elections that are free, fair and credible," he said.

"The world is watching Nigeria's democratic process. The outcome of the 2027 elections will significantly shape public confidence in our electoral system. What Nigerians deserve is an election that truly reflects the wishes of the electorate, free from violence, intimidation, vote-buying and every form of electoral fraud."

He added that TIF would continue to engage political actors and other stakeholders on the need to strictly adhere to the rules governing democratic elections.

"We will sustain our advocacy and engagement with political parties, candidates and stakeholders to ensure that everyone plays by the rules. Democracy can only thrive where there is respect for the rule of law, electoral integrity and the sanctity of the ballot," Michael stated.

Speaking on the organisation's objectives, Averehi explained that TIF is committed to deploying technology to enhance election transparency, particularly in the transmission and monitoring of election results.

"Our organisation seeks to promote credible and transparent elections through the deployment of modern technology that will facilitate the real-time transmission of polling unit results to a designated Situation Room after the result sheets have been duly signed by authorised electoral officials. We are partnering with an American-based information technology company to support this initiative."

He noted that the technology-driven approach would enhance transparency, improve public confidence in the electoral process and reduce opportunities for manipulation.

Our Kogi State Correspondent, reports that Averehi further disclosed that TIF is advocating the establishment of a broad coalition that would foster cooperation among major opposition political parties and other democratic institutions.

"Our vision is to build a coalition that promotes collaboration and synergy among major opposition parties and candidates. We also intend to establish a Common Situation Room where representatives of political parties, civil society organisations, human rights advocates, labour unions and accredited foreign observers can jointly monitor the electoral process."

According to him, such collaboration would improve transparency, encourage accountability and strengthen the credibility of the electoral process.

"We believe that credible elections are the foundation of national stability and democratic development. Every Nigerian has a stake in protecting the integrity of the ballot, and we will continue to advocate reforms and partnerships that will deepen democracy in the country," he said.

Averehi called on Nigerians to actively participate in the electoral process, reject violence and resist attempts to undermine the democratic will of the people, stressing that only credible elections could guarantee sustainable national development and good governance.

×