President Bola Tinubu has charged civil society organisations to play a crucial role in ensuring credible, transparent, and acceptable elections in the 2027 general elections. Speaking at the National Civil Society Organisations Summit 2026 in Abuja, Tinubu emphasized the historical significance of CSOs as the vanguard of democracy. He stressed that their continued contribution to strengthening Nigeria's democratic process is essential. The summit, themed "Nigeria First and National Development," was held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, outlined the critical roles CSOs should play in the electoral process. These include educating voters, monitoring elections, and advocating for electoral reforms before, during, and after the 2027 polls. According to Tinubu, CSOs, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, the media, and engaged citizens, can help ensure the credibility of the elections. This multi-stakeholder approach aims to foster a robust and transparent electoral process.
The President highlighted the importance of unity and vigilance among citizens in protecting Nigeria's democratic gains. He emphasized that the role of civil society is particularly crucial in this regard. Tinubu also called on CSOs to develop a code of conduct for their members, citing past experiences where some organisations had acted without sufficient regard for ethics and the broader public interest. This, he noted, could strain the partnership between government and civil society.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to protecting civic space and the rights to freedom of expression, association, assembly, and press freedom. He described these rights as inalienable and protected by the Constitution and Nigeria's international obligations. The President urged CSOs to uphold high standards of integrity, professionalism, and mutual accountability, emphasizing that their legitimacy should be matched by credibility and their advocacy by patriotism.
To foster a stronger partnership between government and civil society, Tinubu disclosed that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation had been directed to establish a Quarterly Government-Civil Society Policy Dialogue Forum. This forum will provide a platform for evidence-based advocacy and community insights to contribute to policy design, implementation, and evaluation. The government will also work with accredited CSOs to strengthen public finance transparency, budget tracking, and monitoring of humanitarian and grassroots interventions.
Tinubu encouraged CSOs to support national development by helping to localise the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in areas such as poverty reduction, youth and women empowerment, health, education, climate resilience, and peacebuilding. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between government and civil society in promoting national development and achieving these goals. By working together, both parties can leverage their strengths to drive positive change.
The President concluded by emphasizing the need for government and civil society to work together to promote national development and ensure credible elections. He expressed his administration's commitment to transparency and accountability, highlighting the importance of a strong partnership with CSOs. By engaging with civil society and fostering a collaborative environment, the government aims to drive progress and strengthen Nigeria's democratic institutions.
Key points
- President Tinubu charges CSOs to play a leading role in ensuring credible 2027 elections in Nigeria.
- The government will establish a Quarterly Government-Civil Society Policy Dialogue Forum to foster collaboration and evidence-based advocacy.
- CSOs are urged to uphold high standards of integrity, professionalism, and mutual accountability to maintain their legitimacy and credibility.
