Civil Society Groups Outline Demands for 2027 Election Candidates
A coalition of civil society and community-based organisations has issued a strong call to all aspirants for public office in the upcoming 2027 general elections, urging them to anchor their political manifestos on clearly defined development priorities. The group, operating under the banner of the Civil Society Organisations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), emphasised the need for a decisive shift from mere campaign rhetoric to measurable governance outcomes that directly benefit Nigerian citizens.
Focus on Sustainable Development Goals
The coalition specifically challenged candidates, particularly those vying for governorship positions, to align their policy blueprints with eight priority Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) derived from the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This initiative aims to institutionalise issue-based campaigns and ensure that electoral promises translate into tangible improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians. The group stressed that political manifestos must no longer be treated as disposable campaign literature but as binding governance frameworks that guide government programmes, projects, and budget allocations post-election.
In a statement signed by CSCHEI Director-General Kunle Yusuff, the coalition declared, "Manifestos are not mere campaign documents. Upon election, they become government programmes, projects and budget lines. They determine whether Nigerians receive the true dividends of democracy." The statement underscored the necessity for people-centred, data-driven, and time-bound policy commitments, warning against vague pledges that lack clear implementation strategies. Describing this effort as a "national assignment," the coalition cautioned that Nigeria cannot afford another electoral cycle dominated by empty promises and weak accountability mechanisms.
Call for Disqualification of Corrupt Aspirants
In a related development, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) expressed deep concern over what it described as a troubling culture of political recycling, where individuals facing serious allegations of financial misconduct are allowed to contest elections. HURIWA called for the disqualification of such aspirants, arguing that this practice severely undermines public confidence in governance and the national anti-corruption campaign.
HURIWA referenced a controversial remark attributed to former Edo State governor Adams Oshiomhole, who allegedly stated that "once you join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), your sins are forgiven." The group described this comment as symbolic of growing public suspicion regarding political accountability within the APC, questioning whether the party has become "a haven for suspected thieves of public funds." HURIWA warned that such perceptions, whether accurate or not, pose a serious reputational risk to Nigeria's democratic institutions and anti-corruption efforts.
In a statement by National Coordinator Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA reiterated that no political party affiliation should be interpreted as immunity from scrutiny or investigation. The group urged anti-corruption agencies to remain firm, impartial, and consistent in discharging their constitutional responsibilities, cautioning that selective accountability would further erode public trust in Nigeria's democratic system.
Support for Youth Quota in Parliament
Meanwhile, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has voiced its support for a proposed bill seeking to reserve 30 per cent of seats in Nigeria's parliament for young people. This move comes as stakeholders intensify calls for greater youth inclusion ahead of the 2027 general elections. IPAC National Chairman Yusuf Dantalle, speaking at the Dialogue4Change Policy Roundtable organised by the Youth Quota in Parliament Advocacy in Abuja, stated that the proposed legislation aligns with ongoing efforts to deepen democracy and strengthen the representation of young people, women, and persons with disabilities in elective offices.
Dantalle, represented by IPAC National Treasurer Dr Dipo Olayoku, reaffirmed the council's commitment to inclusive political participation. He noted, "The aim, objective and purpose of the bill is valuable and should be supported by all lovers of inclusive democracy and a pathway to strengthening governance in Nigeria." The bill aims to establish a 30 per cent quota for youths under 35 years of age in both national and state legislatures, designed to complement existing reforms such as the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act.
While acknowledging that the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Act has opened up political space for young aspirants by lowering age requirements, Dantalle emphasised that more deliberate measures are still needed to translate eligibility into actual representation. The coalition of civil society organisations has called on the media, development partners, and the electorate to demand issue-based campaigns centred on sustainable development outcomes, reaffirming its guiding principle of "Nigeria First" to prioritise national interest, sustainable development, and citizen welfare.
