A new Afrobarometer Round 11 survey has revealed that most Nigerians are dissatisfied with how democracy works in the country, amid growing concerns about electoral credibility, vote buying, and political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections. The findings were presented on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at a high-level stakeholder dialogue organised by NOI Polls and the Afrobarometer team in Nigeria at the Conference Centre, NOI Polls Building.
The dialogue, themed Presentation of Afrobarometer Round 11 Survey Findings on Nigerians’ Perspectives on Democracy and the 2027 General Elections, brought together stakeholders to examine citizens’ perceptions of democracy, electoral confidence, political accountability, representation and democratic freedoms, while identifying evidence-based measures to strengthen electoral credibility and democratic administration.
According to the survey findings, although a majority of Nigerians continue to support democracy, popular support has declined in every survey round since 2020. The findings also revealed widespread concerns about the conduct of the 2027 general elections, with overwhelming majorities considering vote buying likely.
The survey further indicated that many Nigerians expect difficulties such as the non-counting of valid votes, political violence, disregard for electoral laws and the announcement of incorrect election results.
On citizens’ priorities, crime and insecurity emerged as the most pressing problem facing the country, ahead of other concerns, including deficient infrastructure, unemployment and ineffective management of the economy. The findings also showed that an overwhelming majority of Nigerians prefer presidential candidates who prioritise policies which benefit all citizens.
Speaking on the theme, Democracy and Everyday Life, Executive Director of the Ene Obi Centre for Development (ECD), Ene Obi, questioned the extent to which democracy has translated into concrete improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. Obi observed that although citizens continue to express a preference for democracy, their dissatisfaction shows a disconnect between democratic rule and the daily realities of the population.
She noted that with approximately 140 million Nigerians living below the poverty line, the benefits of economic reforms had largely been visible at the macroeconomic level rather than translating toward tangible improvements for ordinary citizens. “Our democracy is traumatized,” she said, identifying corruption and vote buying as major threats to democratic rule. She additionally underscored the growing disconnect between political leaders and the citizens they govern.
Also speaking, Co-convener of the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, Mma Odi, addressed the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other stakeholders in restoring voters’ assurance in the electoral process. Referring to the Osun State governorship election and citizens’ participation in defending their votes, Odi urged Nigerians to participate actively in elections and hold electoral officials accountable to ensure that their votes count. She emphasised that citizens’ participation and watchfulness remain important in efforts to safeguard electoral honesty and counter electoral malpractice.
On the accountability of public officials beyond electoral promises, Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Ibrahim Musa, identified weakened institutions and political interference as major obstacles to effective accountability.
He voiced concern about the compromised integrity of institutions, particularly the judiciary, arguing that holding public officials accountable has become increasingly difficult where institutions are weakened or swayed by political interests.
Meanwhile, Executive Director of CLEEN Foundation, Peter Maduoma, emphasised the importance of voter safety, particularly in view of the survey’s findings on crime and insecurity. He stressed that the safety of voters, journalists, election observers, electoral officials and candidates must be guaranteed before, during and after elections, noting that security agencies have a responsibility to protect all participants during the electoral process. “Except people feel they are safe, they won’t vote,” Maduoma said. He further called on political parties and their members to discharge their responsibilities without actions capable of inciting violence, stressing that avoiding electoral violence necessitates collective responsibility of political actors and other stakeholders.
In his contribution on practical recommendations for policy makers, electoral institutions and civil society, Frank Tietie voiced concern about the many challenges confronting Nigeria’s democratic system. He lamented what he described as the destruction of the foundations of democracy, asking, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” Despite his concerns, Tietie expressed cautious optimism, urging civil society organisations to extend their advocacy beyond organisational platforms and translate their voices into political participation through political parties to advance positive change.
The dialogue ended with calls for increased voter participation, stronger organizational accountability, improved electoral security and cooperative efforts by citizens and stakeholders to protect the credibility of the 2027 general elections.
