By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Stakeholders at the 2026 Annual June 12 Commemoration Lecture have called for comprehensive electoral reforms, greater institutional independence for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the full implementation of the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee, warning that Nigeria’s democracy could face serious challenges if confidence in the electoral process is not restored before the 2027 general elections.
The resolutions were adopted at the Annual June 12 Commemoration Lecture and the formal unveiling of the Prof. Humphrey N. Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights held on Tuesday in Abuja. The event was organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in collaboration with the newly established centre as part of efforts to preserve the legacy of the late electoral administrator and promote democratic governance.
The gathering attracted a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government officials, jurists, election administrators, lawmakers, political party representatives, civil society organisations, academics, media practitioners, and development partners who reflected on the state of Nigeria’s democracy and the future of credible elections in the country.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled, “Electoral Integrity and the Future of Credible Elections in Nigeria,” prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), stressed that electoral integrity remains the cornerstone of democratic legitimacy and sustainable governance. He argued that political parties that fail to conduct transparent and democratic primary elections cannot convincingly claim commitment to credible national elections.
Falana warned that Nigeria’s deteriorating security environment poses a significant threat to the conduct of peaceful and inclusive elections. According to him, rising incidents of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes could undermine voter participation and compromise the credibility of future electoral processes if not decisively addressed.
The senior advocate paid glowing tribute to the late Prof. Humphrey Nwosu, describing his conduct of the June 12, 1993 presidential election as a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s democratic history. He noted that despite intense pressure and resistance from elements within the military administration at the time, Nwosu demonstrated exceptional courage and professionalism in conducting what remains widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), described June 12, 1993 as a defining moment in the nation’s democratic journey. He noted that credible elections remain essential for national stability, economic development and democratic consolidation, especially as Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle in 2027.
Ojukwu explained that the theme of the lecture was particularly significant given growing concerns about public trust in democratic institutions. He added that the newly inaugurated Prof. Humphrey N. Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights would serve as a platform for research, civic engagement, policy advocacy and democratic education aimed at strengthening electoral governance and human rights protection in Nigeria.
A major focus of the deliberations was the perceived lack of institutional independence of INEC. Participants argued that electoral management bodies must operate free from political interference and external influence if elections are to truly reflect the will of the people. They warned that declining public confidence in electoral institutions could pose a serious threat to democratic stability if urgent reforms are not undertaken.
During panel discussions, stakeholders called for measures to strengthen transparency, accountability and institutional autonomy within INEC. They also urged the commission to embrace internal reforms, ensure merit-based appointments and promotions, and exercise its constitutional powers with greater independence and integrity.
Participants further recommended the establishment of an independent electoral accountability, regulatory and oversight framework to monitor, track and audit every stage of the electoral process. Such a mechanism, they argued, would improve transparency, deter electoral malpractice and enhance public confidence in election outcomes.
Other key recommendations adopted at the forum included strengthening internal democracy within political parties, enhancing oversight of party activities, expanding voter and civic education programmes, promoting merit-based appointments into governance institutions and implementing the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee. The stakeholders also advocated constitutional and electoral reforms aimed at improving political accountability, including consideration of a single-term tenure for elected executive office holders.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the event, participants observed that despite Nigeria’s democratic gains since the return to civilian rule in 1999, challenges such as voter apathy, electoral violence, vote-buying, misinformation, political intolerance and declining public trust continue to threaten the credibility of elections. They maintained that the June 12, 1993 election remains the country’s strongest symbol of electoral integrity and democratic aspiration, while reaffirming their commitment to promoting constitutional democracy, human rights, transparency, accountability and ethical leadership. The event concluded with the official unveiling of the Prof. Humphrey N. Nwosu Center for Democracy and Human Rights, established to preserve democratic memory, advance electoral reforms, promote human rights and nurture future generations of democratic leaders.
