President Bola Tinubu has called on civil society organisations (CSOs) to play a leading role in ensuring credible and peaceful elections in the 2027 general elections. He made the call at the National Civil Society Organisations Summit 2026, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. Tinubu, represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, emphasised the significant role civil society has historically played in Nigeria's democratic development.
Tinubu urged CSOs to educate voters, monitor polls, and advocate for electoral reforms before, during, and after the 2027 elections. He believes that working with law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, the media, and engaged citizens, CSOs can contribute to ensuring credible elections. The President noted that Nigeria's strength lies in its united people and their vigilance, urging civil society organisations to remain a stabilising force and contribute to national cohesion.
The President also called on the civil society community to collectively develop a code of conduct for its members. He stressed that past experiences have shown that some civil society players have taken actions without sufficient consideration for ethics and the overarching public interest. Such actions, he warned, could strain the partnership between government and civil society.
Tinubu reaffirmed the administration's commitment to protecting civic space and the freedoms of expression, association, assembly, and the press. He described these rights as protected under the Constitution and Nigeria's international obligations. The President urged CSOs to uphold high standards of integrity, professionalism, and mutual accountability.
In his keynote address, Director-General of CSCHEI and National Convener of the National Civil Society Organisations Summit 2026, Ambassador Kunle Yusuff, said the summit was convened at a critical moment. He noted that divisive narratives were being propagated for political gain. Yusuff outlined the summit's deliberations, structured around four strategic pillars: civic education, electoral integrity and peaceful elections; sustainable development, food security and climate finance; security, peace, democratic governance and the rule of law; and information integrity, strategic communication and digital governance.
Yusuff emphasised that the pillars were intended to provide an agenda for national development. He clarified that civil society is not anti-government, but rather pro-Nigeria. The civil society sector, he said, has a role to play in bridging the gap between government policies and citizens.
The National Civil Society Organisations Summit 2026 aims to promote a more active and responsible civil society. The summit provides a platform for CSOs to engage with the government and other stakeholders on critical issues affecting the country. KEY_POINT: President Tinubu charges CSOs to monitor polls and advocate electoral reforms. KEY_POINT: The summit's deliberations focus on four strategic pillars for national development. KEY_POINT: Tinubu reaffirms administration's commitment to protecting civic space and freedoms.
