ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s 2027 general elections are free, fair, and transparent, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas said Friday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Abbas told reporters in Abuja that Tinubu has given assurances that his administration will not interfere with the work of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He said the president’s position is to allow the electoral body full independence to manage the polls.

“The president has assured us that he is fully committed to transparent elections in 2027,” Abbas said. “He has no intention of tampering with the process. Nigerians will decide their leaders.”

The pledge comes as Nigeria prepares for the next round of national elections in less than two years. Election observers and civil society groups have repeatedly called for reforms after concerns raised in the 2023 vote, when technical glitches and logistical issues led to disputes and legal challenges.

Abbas said Tinubu’s administration is working with INEC to strengthen electoral laws, improve technology, and ensure that lessons from past elections are addressed. He noted that the National Assembly will also play its role by passing laws that guarantee fair competition.

“Transparency and credibility in our elections are vital for democracy,” Abbas said. “We in the legislature will make sure that no loopholes exist for manipulation.”

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, has a long history of election disputes. International observers have often reported cases of violence, voter intimidation, and irregularities. Abbas said Tinubu’s stance aims to rebuild trust in the system and assure Nigerians that their votes will count.

Civil society leaders have welcomed the comments but urged the government to back words with action. The Transition Monitoring Group (TMG), a leading election watchdog, said reforms must start early to avoid last-minute problems.

“It is good to hear this commitment,” said Auwal Rafsanjani, a civil society leader. “But the government must release funding to INEC on time, improve security, and protect the independence of the judiciary that may hear election disputes.”

Abbas also urged political parties to play by the rules. He said credible elections depend not only on government agencies but also on parties respecting internal democracy, following campaign finance rules, and avoiding violence.

“Elections are not won through violence or rigging,” Abbas said. “They are won through the will of the people. All parties must respect this principle.”

The Speaker added that Nigeria’s international partners are watching closely. The credibility of the 2027 elections, he said, will determine Nigeria’s image in the world and its ability to attract investment and support.

Political analysts say Tinubu’s declaration may help calm tensions ahead of the polls. However, they warn that the real test will be in how government agencies act in practice, especially the police and security forces, which have been accused of bias in past elections.

“Commitments are important, but implementation is what matters,” said political analyst Jide Ojo. “Nigerians want to see early preparations, voter education, and security arrangements that prevent violence.”

Abbas insisted that both the executive and legislative arms of government are united on this issue. He said all stakeholders — politicians, civil society, security agencies, and voters — must cooperate to make 2027 a milestone election.

“The credibility of the 2027 elections is not just about President Tinubu,” Abbas said. “It is about all of us. The future of our democracy depends on it.”

As Nigeria counts down to the polls, expectations remain high that Tinubu’s government will make good on its promise. For many Nigerians, the vote will be a test of whether the country’s democracy can mature and deliver leaders chosen by the people, without controversy or violence.