Nigerian leaders warn of looming crisis, call for reforms and Sahel envoy

A group of well-known Nigerian scholars, diplomats, and civil society leaders has warned that the country is heading towards a national crisis. They highlighted the decline of democratic institutions, unchecked power of the executive, and worsening regional insecurity as major threats to Nigeria’s stability.

This group includes former United Nations Under-Secretary-General Ibrahim Gambari, former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman Attahiru Jega, and Jibrin Ibrahim, chair of the Premium Times Editorial Board. They released a statement on Monday, urging the need for urgent reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Nigeria stands at a dangerous crossroads where rising insecurity, an alarming level of electoral manipulation by government, and the weakening of democratic institutions are converging into a national crisis that threatens the country’s survival,” the statement said.

The signatories claimed that the legislature is nearly fully controlled by the executive, while the judiciary has lost its independence and integrity. They warned that the weakening of checks and balances has led to a high level of public distrust, pushing violent extremism, organized crime, and communal conflict closer to a breaking point.

The group also connected Nigeria’s instability to the wider security problems in the Sahel region. They noted that the rise of terrorism, arms trafficking, and unconstitutional changes in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are worsening insecurity in Nigeria and around the Lake Chad Basin.

They called on the federal government to appoint a Special Envoy for the Sahel to rebuild trust between Nigeria, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). They also urged the government to improve regional efforts for peace and security.

“The government should recognize that insecurity in the Sahel fuels the Nigerian crisis and that rapprochement between the AES and ECOWAS is an important element in Nigeria’s national interest,” the statement said.

Regarding the judiciary, the coalition asked the National Judicial Council to create a framework to hold judges accountable for decisions made during elections. They also called on the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to ensure its members follow professional conduct and to increase monitoring of the judiciary.

The group raised concerns about INEC’s fairness and abilities. They urged professional bodies, including the NBA, trade unions, and civic groups, to engage with the electoral commission to guarantee that the 2027 elections are free, fair, and credible.

Beyond the government, the statement reached out to various parts of Nigerian society. It urged the private sector to demand accountability in governance and uphold the rule of law as vital for economic growth. It also called on traditional rulers and religious leaders to use their influence to promote peace and inter-faith dialogue.

Civil society organizations were asked to educate citizens and strengthen the demand for accountability. Nigerians were encouraged to be “bold and courageous” in defending their rights and resisting what the group described as a shrinking civic space.

The statement was signed by Husseini Abdu, Fatima Balla, Usman Bugaje, Ibrahim Gambari, Yahaya Hashim, Jibrin Ibrahim, Attahiru Jega (OFR), Mohammed Kuna, Abubakar Mahmoud, and Kabiru Yusuf.