Oluwafunbi Bello 
ABUJA, Nigeria – Civil society groups warn that sustained attacks on the chairman of Nigeria’s electoral commission risk eroding public trust ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The coalition says criticism targeting INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan could undermine confidence in democratic institutions if left unchecked.
“We strongly denounce these actions… they pose a threat to democratic stability,” says Felix Attah, National Convener of HUWESDI, during a joint briefing.
The groups describe the attacks as deliberate attempts to discredit the electoral body at a critical time when preparations for the next elections are intensifying.
They express support for Amupitan’s leadership, citing reforms aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability and compliance with judicial rulings.
According to the coalition, such actions reinforce INEC’s independence and commitment to constitutional governance.
Amid rising political tensions, the organisations urge Nigerians to resist misinformation and avoid narratives capable of weakening institutional credibility.
“We call on citizens to support democratic institutions and resist falsehoods,” the statement adds.
Observers note that while Nigeria’s electoral system faces ongoing scrutiny, recent reforms, including expanded use of technology, signal progress towards more credible polls.
Stakeholders stress that public trust will remain decisive in determining the legitimacy of the 2027 elections.
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Oluwatobi Adu 
Mirian Gom 
Hussaini Ibrahim