By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
A political scientist, Prof. Samuel Egwu, has warned that the conduct of party primaries ahead of the 2027 general elections points to deeper threats to Nigeria’s democracy, saying the country’s electoral integrity is already under strain.
Egwu, a professor in the Department of Political Science, University of Jos, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja while delivering the 2026 Dr. Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem and Prof. Abubakar Momoh Memorial Lecture, organised by the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD).
Speaking on the theme, “From Promise to Paralysis: Political Parties and the Challenges of Democratic Consolidation in Nigeria,” Egwu argued that recent party primaries across both the ruling and opposition parties have exposed serious institutional weaknesses capable of undermining the credibility of the 2027 elections.
According to him, the growing influence of incumbency, manipulation of party primaries, imposition of candidates and disregard for internal party democracy are clear indications that Nigeria may witness a further decline in electoral integrity unless urgent reforms are undertaken.
He noted that although the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has a new leadership, ongoing voter registration and plans to deploy improved electoral technology, these positive developments are being overshadowed by rising insecurity, widespread poverty, ethnic mobilisation, hate speech and the inability of political parties to provide clear policy alternatives.
“The signs from party primaries already reveal the problems that could define the 2027 elections,” he said, stressing that political parties have increasingly become platforms for elite interests rather than institutions that promote democratic participation.
Egwu maintained that political parties routinely violate their own constitutions by disregarding the outcomes of primaries and imposing candidates, a practice he said weakens public confidence in the electoral process.
He also criticised the country’s presidential system, arguing that it encourages excessive concentration of power in the executive and makes democratic accountability more difficult.
He added that the first-past-the-post electoral system has further intensified Nigeria’s winner-takes-all politics and heightened political tensions.
The professor lamented that despite conducting regular elections since 1999, Nigeria has made little progress in improving citizens’ welfare, insisting that elections have largely served as instruments for elite bargaining rather than genuine expressions of the people’s will.
Calling for comprehensive political reforms,
Photo story: Faridha Salihu -Lukman, Communication Officer, CDD -West Africa captured in a photo while moderating the event.
“Egwu urged stakeholders to strengthen internal party democracy, restore the integrity of the judiciary, safeguard the independence of electoral institutions and ensure political parties become issue-based organisations capable of advancing national development.
Earlier in his remarks, Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development, Dr. Dauda Garuba, said the annual memorial lecture honours the legacies of the late Dr. Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem and Prof. Abubakar Momoh, who devoted their lives to democracy, social justice and good governance.
Garuba lamented the declining state of political parties, describing them as platforms for acquiring power rather than institutions for developing ideas and promoting ideological politics. He expressed concern that with only months to the general elections, many political parties remain entangled in leadership disputes and legal battles over candidates.
He said the situation underscores the urgent need to reform political parties if Nigeria’s democracy is to remain stable and credible.
Chairperson of the event, Prof. Nana Tanko, said despite the numerous challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy, the country possesses the capacity to overcome them through sustained commitment to democratic principles and stronger political institutions.
Family members of the late Tajudeen Abdul-Raheem, who joined virtually, commended the CDD for sustaining his legacy through the annual memorial lecture.
The event, held in Abuja on Tuesday, featured a panel discussion on “Party Primaries vs Party Democracy: Who is Actually Choosing Leaders in Nigeria?” with participants including Prof. Remi Ajibewa, Hajiya Saudatu Mahdi, Jide Ojo and Prince Chinedu Obi, among other stakeholders.
