As Nigeria steadily approaches the 2027 General Elections, concerns over election security, voter confidence, and institutional credibility are once again taking centre stage. Against this backdrop, the Integrity Youth Alliance has raised critical issues bordering on trust, policing, and democratic stability, calling for urgent and collective action to safeguard the electoral process.
At a press conference held to address the state of election preparedness, the youth-based organization underscored what it described as a “national imperative” — rebuilding public trust in the Nigeria Police Force ahead of the next general polls.
Trust Deficit and Democratic Stability
According to the Integrity Youth Alliance, trust remains the bedrock of democratic policing and credible elections. The group noted that where citizens lack confidence in law enforcement agencies, elections are often marred by fear, voter apathy, and violence.
The Alliance argued that past election cycles in Nigeria have demonstrated how fragile trust between citizens and security agencies can undermine electoral outcomes. As such, restoring confidence in the Nigeria Police Force is not merely an institutional concern but a democratic necessity.
Police as the Backbone of Election Security
Investigations into Nigeria’s electoral security framework reveal that the Nigeria Police Force bears the heaviest responsibility during elections. From securing polling units and escorting electoral materials to responding to outbreaks of violence, the Police remain the first and most visible line of defence.
The Integrity Youth Alliance acknowledged ongoing reforms under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, noting improvements in operational coordination, intelligence-driven policing, and community engagement. However, the group stressed that reforms must translate into visible professionalism at polling units nationwide.
Structural Challenges Facing Election Policing
Despite constitutional responsibilities placed on the Police, the Alliance highlighted persistent challenges undermining effective election security. These include inadequate funding, insufficient training in crowd control and conflict de-escalation, welfare gaps for officers on election duty, and weak internal accountability mechanisms.
The group warned that without addressing these structural deficiencies, the Police may be overwhelmed by emerging threats such as misinformation, politically sponsored thuggery, voter intimidation, and logistical sabotage.
Call for Multi-Stakeholder Support
Beyond criticism, the Integrity Youth Alliance framed election security as a shared responsibility. The group called on political actors, civil society organizations, the media, and community leaders to support the Police rather than undermine them through politicisation and disinformation.
Specifically, the Alliance advocated for improved inter-agency collaboration between the Police, INEC, and other security agencies, alongside stronger community-level intelligence sharing to preempt violence.
Youth Engagement and Accountability
As part of its own contribution, the Integrity Youth Alliance announced plans to intensify youth engagement across the country to discourage electoral violence and promote peaceful participation. The organization also committed to monitoring and documenting threats to electoral security, while supporting reforms that enhance professionalism and respect for human rights within the Police Force.
Observers note that youth mobilisation remains a critical factor, given that young people are often both the most active voters and the most vulnerable to political manipulation during elections.
The Alliance concluded with a stark warning: Nigeria cannot afford another election cycle tainted by violence, loss of lives, or voter disenfranchisement. Credible elections, the group argued, rest on three pillars — trust, security, and accountability.
By calling on the Federal Government, National Assembly, and development partners to adequately resource the Nigeria Police Force, the Integrity Youth Alliance positioned itself as a stakeholder pushing for preventive action rather than post-election damage control.
As preparations for 2027 gather momentum, the group’s message is clear: supporting a professional, well-equipped, and trusted Police Force is not political loyalty — it is an investment in Nigeria’s democratic future.
