Abuja, June 11, 2026 – A group of prominent Nigerians under the aegis of Concerned Citizens has expressed concern over rising insecurity, weakening democratic institutions and the credibility of electoral processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group, comprising academics, lawyers, civil society activists and former public officials, made its position known in a statement on the state of the nation dated June 8.
According to the group, Nigeria is facing a convergence of security, governance and democratic challenges that require urgent attention to safeguard the country’s stability and future.
It said that increasing insecurity, alleged electoral manipulation and the weakening of democratic institutions posed significant threats to national cohesion and democratic governance.
The group expressed concern over what it described as the erosion of the constitutional principle of separation of powers, alleging that checks and balances among the arms of government had been weakened.
“The legislative branch has been placed under near-total control of the executive branch, while the judiciary appears to have lost both its independence and integrity,” the statement said.
It further alleged that institutions had become weakened and subordinated to executive interests, a situation it said had contributed to growing public distrust and heightened insecurity.
The group noted that the security challenges confronting Nigeria could not be separated from developments in the Sahel region, particularly the spread of terrorism, arms trafficking and political instability in neighbouring countries.
According to it, instability in countries such as Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger continues to affect security in Nigeria and the wider Lake Chad Basin.
To address the situation, the group called for stronger regional cooperation among Nigeria, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
It recommended the appointment of a high-level Special Envoy for the Sahel to facilitate dialogue, rebuild trust among regional actors and strengthen existing peace and security mechanisms.
The group also advocated increased investment in youth employment, education, social protection and community-based conflict resolution initiatives to address the root causes of insecurity and radicalisation.
On electoral matters, the group stressed the need for transparent, credible and independent electoral processes ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It urged professional associations, labour unions and civic organisations to engage with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair and credible elections.
The group also called on civil society organisations to intensify public enlightenment efforts and promote citizens’ participation in governance and accountability processes.
It appealed to the private sector, professional bodies, traditional rulers and religious leaders to contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening the rule of law, promoting peaceful coexistence and preserving democratic values.
The statement further urged the judiciary to uphold its independence and address public concerns regarding its role in electoral disputes.
It called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to strengthen oversight mechanisms and promote accountability within the justice sector.
Members of the group include former Minister of Foreign Affairs and diplomat, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; former Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega; Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim; Dr Husseini Abdu; Amb. Fatima Balla; Dr Usman Bugaje; Dr Yahaya Hashim; Prof. Mohammed Kuna; Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud; and Malam Kabiru Yusuf.
The statement comes about a week after The Patriots, a group led by former Commonwealth Secretary-General, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, called on the Federal Government to treat insecurity as a national governance and economic survival challenge requiring urgent intervention.
