Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has raised concerns over the future of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that worsening insecurity, shrinking civic space and rising poverty could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections if urgent reforms are not implemented.
Falana spoke on Tuesday in Abuja while delivering the keynote address at the inaugural Annual Memorial Lecture in honour of the late Professor Humphrey Nwosu, former chairman of the defunct National Electoral Commission (NEC), whose leadership during the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election remains a landmark in Nigeria’s democratic history.
The lecture, organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in collaboration with the Professor Humphrey Nwosu Centre for Democracy and Human Rights, attracted jurists, academics, civil society leaders and democracy advocates who reflected on the state of electoral integrity in the country.
Speaking on the theme, “Electoral Integrity and the Future of Credible Elections in Nigeria,” Falana warned that the conditions required for free, fair and credible elections are being threatened by persistent insecurity and increasing restrictions on civil liberties.
He argued that democracy cannot flourish in an atmosphere where citizens live in fear and are unable to freely express dissenting views.
“As we gather here today, many schoolchildren and teachers are still being held by criminals. Communities across the country continue to live under the threat of kidnappers, terrorists and bandits. The question is whether a nation facing such grave security challenges can guarantee credible elections,” Falana said.
According to him, the prevailing security challenges could discourage voter participation and erode public confidence in the electoral process.
The senior lawyer also expressed concern over what he described as growing threats to freedom of expression, warning that democratic gains secured through years of struggle must be protected.
“If you criticise those in authority today, you run the risk of being prosecuted under the Cybercrimes Act. The space for free speech is shrinking, and that is dangerous for democracy,” he stated.
Paying tribute to the late Professor Nwosu, Falana described him as a courageous patriot who remained committed to democratic principles despite intense pressure during the military transition programme of the early 1990s.
He recalled that many pro-democracy activists had concluded before the June 12 election that the military government led by former Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida, was unwilling to relinquish power.
“We knew by April 1993 that General Babangida was not prepared to relinquish power through democratic means. Yet Professor Nwosu remained determined to conduct the election despite enormous pressure from powerful interests,” he said.
Falana noted that Nwosu’s commitment to defending the sanctity of the ballot remains a valuable lesson for contemporary electoral institutions and political leaders.
He urged Nigerians to demand greater accountability from elected officials and reject politics based on ethnic and religious divisions, stressing that leadership choices should be guided by competence, integrity and the capacity to address national challenges.
Chairman of the occasion and retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Abdul Aboki, described Nwosu as one of the architects of Nigeria’s democratic journey whose contributions continue to resonate decades after the annulment of the June 12 election.
Aboki stressed that electoral integrity must remain central to Nigeria’s democratic development, noting that credible elections are fundamental to citizens’ rights and democratic governance.
“It is about the right of every Nigerian to freely choose leaders without intimidation, coercion or manipulation. It is about strengthening institutions, deepening the rule of law and building public trust in governance,” he said.
He called on political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, the media and citizens to work collectively to safeguard future elections and strengthen democratic institutions.
Earlier, Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu (SAN), said the memorial lecture was established to preserve and advance the democratic ideals championed by Professor Nwosu.
According to him, the event also honours the sacrifices of democracy activists, civil society groups and pro-democracy movements that fought for constitutional governance, electoral justice and the protection of political rights.
Ojukwu emphasised that credible elections, freedom of expression, civic participation, accountability and adherence to the rule of law remain indispensable pillars of democratic governance.
As Nigeria moves closer to another electoral cycle, participants at the event said the nation must address its security and governance challenges to safeguard the integrity of future elections.
The gathering served both as a tribute to one of Nigeria’s foremost electoral reformers and as a reminder that credible elections can only thrive in an environment that guarantees security, accountability and respect for fundamental freedoms.
