2027: CSOs To Screen Candidates, Promote Voter Education

Accredited Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have announced plans to promote voter education, candidate scrutiny, and civic engagement ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The initiative is being coordinated through the Civil Society Organisations on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), a platform that coordinates, supervises, and promotes accredited CSOs and Community-Based Organisations (CBOs).

In a statement signed by its Director General, Kunle Yusuff, CSCHEI said it would provide voter education, public enlightenment, and candidate scrutiny in the elections.

The organisation urged aspirants to demonstrate leadership capacity, integrity, and a commitment to national development, stressing that its priorities include accountability, unity, fairness, justice, and equity.

It also disclosed plans to subject candidates to an open debate on their operational and administrative manifestos to ensure Nigerians are informed about their plans and vision.

According to the statement, the 2027 elections should be for serious-minded candidates with institutional experience and a track record of service, while calling on professionals with leadership potential to step forward.

CSCHEI further stated that it would engage in voter education, candidate scrutiny, and election observation to promote credible, transparent, and peaceful elections.

The group said it would collaborate with officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), local and international election observers, security agencies, and other constitutionally recognised stakeholders to ensure that the elections are conducted fairly and transparently.

It added that it would partner with conventional and non-conventional media outlets nationwide to promote accurate information dissemination, while also engaging traditional leaders and faith-based organisations to promote peace, unity, and national cohesion.