According to Okoye, emerging threats include sophisticated vote-buying methods, irregularities in political party primaries, security shortcomings, the displacement of communities and growing concerns about public trust in the judiciary.
He made the remarks during a virtual masterclass hosted by the Lagos chapter of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, where he called on journalists to improve their investigative skills and understanding of electoral laws as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.
Okoye noted that electoral challenges had become more complex, stressing that they now extended beyond conventional forms of election malpractice. He said the conduct of political parties, security institutions and the judiciary could also have significant implications for the electoral process.
Speaking on vote-buying, he explained that the practice had changed considerably, moving from discreet payments made before elections to transactions that could now occur openly within the vicinity of polling centres.
He referred to the trend as “regenerated vote-buying,” explaining that voters could receive cash openly from different individuals or groups, with payments in some cases allegedly tied to the number of votes recorded.
The former commissioner said electoral manipulation had shifted from “covert, off-site home distributions disguised as ‘empowerment’ to “brazen, tally-based transactions executed directly at polling units where voters collect cash from multiple sources.”
He noted that the development could make election reporting more difficult because journalists relying solely on traditional polling-day coverage may not uncover the wider financial structures behind vote-buying operations.
Okoye also pointed to the frequent movement of politicians across political parties as a development that could affect the credibility of the forthcoming elections.
He observed that as the policy positions of political parties become increasingly similar, politicians may be more inclined to switch parties when seeking better opportunities to secure electoral tickets.
He attributed part of the situation to what he described as compromised and “shambolic” party primaries, particularly contests allegedly influenced by sitting governors.
According to him, politicians who feel disadvantaged during such primaries may decide to “shop” for other political platforms where they believe their ambitions stand a better chance of succeeding.
The former INEC national commissioner further questioned whether the country’s security architecture is adequately prepared to handle the demands of a nationwide election.
He warned that the relatively successful conduct of individual off-cycle elections should not automatically be regarded as proof that Nigeria is fully prepared for the security and logistical demands of the 2027 general elections.
Former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Festus Okoye, has expressed concern that the 2027 general elections may encounter major challenges capable of affecting their credibility and smooth conduct.
