Speak Up Nigeria USA Urges Nigerians to Reject Vote-Buying, Defend Democracy Ahead of 2027
By Naomi Onome
The Speak Up Nigeria USA has called on Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to take greater responsibility for the country’s democratic future ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group urged citizens to remain vigilant, informed and actively engaged in the electoral process, stressing that the quality of Nigeria’s democracy depends largely on the willingness of citizens to understand their rights, make informed choices and hold elected leaders accountable.
The call was made during a Zoom discussion titled “Nigeria 2027: The Democracy We Want — Strengthening Democracy, Securing the Nation, and Upholding Justice,” held on Saturday, October 3, 2026, with participants examining the state of democracy, national security, the judiciary and preparations for the 2027 elections.
The convener and moderator, Ambassador Dr Steve Nwose, said Speak Up Nigeria USA is a non-political and non-partisan platform established to educate citizens on good governance rather than campaign for any political party or candidate. He said the platform was created to provide Nigerians with an avenue to discuss issues affecting the country, irrespective of whether they live in Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom or elsewhere.
Speaking on “The Democracy We Want,” Comrade Princess Lovelyn Agbonifo, a human rights advocate and investigative journalist, defined democracy as a system in which power belongs to the people and leaders are elected through free and fair elections. She identified the rule of law, fundamental rights and freedoms, accountability and respect for minority interests as critical features of democracy, arguing that democracy must go beyond periodic voting to include continuous citizen participation.
Agbonifo said Nigerians deserve a democracy that translates into tangible improvements in their lives, including food security, employment opportunities for young people, personal safety and access to justice. She also advocated an inclusive political system in which women, youths and persons with disabilities are active participants rather than spectators, insisting that public offices must serve the general interest and not become instruments for personal enrichment or political patronage.
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She further urged Nigerians to assess candidates based on their character, competence, records and capacity to deliver, rather than voting because of ethnic, religious, familial or political affiliations. She called on citizens to obtain and secure their Permanent Voter Cards, participate in elections without fear and remain at polling units to observe the counting process in accordance with the law.
A security expert and military veteran, Ambassador Dr Oamien Roy Okhidievbie, who spoke on the security dimension of democracy, said democratic governance could not thrive without effective institutions capable of protecting citizens and the nation’s territorial integrity. He discussed the responsibilities of the military, police, immigration, customs and other security agencies, while expressing concern over institutional weaknesses, corruption and political interference.
Okhidievbie also warned against electoral violence, intimidation and the manipulation of young people by political actors. He urged citizens to document genuine electoral irregularities through lawful means, preserve evidence and report violations through appropriate channels. He cautioned against fabricated or manipulated videos, stressing that evidence gathered during elections must be authentic and handled responsibly.
The discussion also addressed voter apathy and vote-buying, with participants noting that some Nigerians have become discouraged by previous electoral experiences and now believe their votes may not count. Speakers urged citizens not to exchange their votes for money, food or other temporary inducements, emphasising that the consequences of poor leadership can last far longer than whatever immediate benefit a voter receives on election day.
In response to questions on how Nigerians should prepare for 2027, Agbonifo urged citizens to secure their voter cards, educate themselves about the electoral process, resist intimidation and make informed choices. She stressed that the responsibility for building a better democracy rests not only with political leaders but with citizens themselves, while the organisers announced plans to sustain civic-engagement sessions leading up to the election.
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The central message of the discussion was that Nigerians must take ownership of their democratic future by rejecting political violence, resisting vote-buying and scrutinising candidates before casting their ballots. The organisers urged citizens to remember that “your vote is your voice” and to choose leaders based on their records, character and plans for the country rather than immediate financial or material inducements.
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