Former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega criticised the do-or-die politics approach to elections, urging Nigerian politicians to embrace peaceful, issue-based competition ahead of the 2027 general elections. He made the call during a public lecture on governance and democratic development.
Nigeria’s electoral process has long faced challenges linked to intense political competition, including election-related violence, voter intimidation, and high-stakes rivalry among political actors. These issues have remained a concern across multiple election cycles.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has introduced several reforms over the years to improve transparency and credibility, including biometric voter registration and electronic result transmission. Despite these measures, concerns about political intolerance and excessive electoral aggression persist in public discourse.
Reiterating concern over rising political tension, Jega warned that do-or-die politics undermines democratic stability and shifts focus away from credible governance and national development.
He stated that elections should not be treated as a matter of survival but as a constitutional process for selecting leaders through peaceful and credible means. According to him, political actors must prioritise national interest over personal ambition and ensure campaigns are centred on issues that directly affect citizens.
Jega further emphasised that leadership should be determined by competence, integrity, and accountability rather than aggression or manipulation of electoral processes.
He also called on voters to play an active role in strengthening democracy by rejecting violence and supporting candidates based on performance and credibility. The lecture, attended by academics and civil society stakeholders, focused on governance reforms and democratic consolidation in Nigeria.
The warning against do-or-die politics reflects ongoing concerns about the conduct of political actors ahead of the 2027 elections. It highlights the need for reduced political tension and stronger adherence to democratic principles.
It also reinforces the importance of voter responsibility in shaping peaceful electoral outcomes, alongside institutional reforms by electoral bodies. For Nigeria’s democracy, the message underscores the need for behavioural change among political stakeholders to ensure credible and non-violent elections.
