2027: CSOs plan debates to test aspirants’ capacity, vow to block ‘political opportunists’
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has announced plans to organise nationwide debates to assess the competence, integrity, and leadership capacity of political
- ...engage INEC on voter education, candidate scrutiny
- ...unveil ‘Nigeria First’ platform for accountability, good governance
- From Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, a coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has announced plans to organise nationwide debates to assess the competence, integrity, and leadership capacity of political aspirants.
Operating under the umbrella of the Civil Society Organization on Community Advancement and Humanitarian Empowerment Initiative (CSCHEI), the groups also declared their resolve to prevent what they described as “political opportunists” from gaining access to public office.
The CSOs disclosed that discussions are already underway with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to facilitate structured engagements where prospective candidates would be interrogated on their manifestos and development plans.
Speaking after the inauguration of the National Committee of the Civil Society Organizations Summit Committee in Abuja, CSCHEI Director-General, Kunle Yusuff, described the initiative as a critical step toward strengthening democratic accountability and citizen participation.
He said the planned debates would span all levels of governance, from presidential to local government elections, providing Nigerians the opportunity to scrutinise aspirants before they emerge as candidates.
“Our goal is to evaluate the capacity of those seeking leadership positions—their competence, integrity, and connection with the people. Nigerians deserve to interrogate those who aspire to govern them,” Yusuff said.
He added that the debates would require aspirants to defend their policy proposals in line with global development benchmarks, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), climate action priorities, and financing frameworks.
Yusuff noted that the initiative forms part of a broader “Nigeria First” platform, which he described as a civil society-driven mandate to promote justice, equity, fairness, and good governance.
He emphasised that CSOs are expanding their traditional role beyond election observation to actively shape democratic discourse and empower voters with relevant information.
“Gone are the days when individuals lacking the capacity to lead find their way into positions of authority,” he said, stressing that civil society would intensify efforts to ensure only credible candidates emerge.
The CSCHEI boss further revealed that the coalition, accredited by INEC as election observers, would spearhead voter education campaigns and advocacy programmes nationwide.
He also highlighted the scale of civil society engagement in Nigeria, noting that over 60,000 non-governmental organisations, including community-based and faith-based groups, actively work to deepen governance and accountability.
According to him, CSCHEI alone coordinates about 3,500 vetted organisations across 26 states and 460 local government areas.
Dismissing allegations of political bias, Yusuff maintained that the coalition operates independently.
“We are not politically motivated. We are self-funded patriots committed to national development and good governance,” he said.
He added that the proposed Civil Society Organizations Summit 2026 would further consolidate collaboration among CSOs and community-based organisations to drive sustainable development.
Yusuff also hinted at plans to engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, commending the administration’s emphasis on climate action and sustainable development.
According to him, recent government appointments in the climate sector signal Nigeria’s growing prominence on the global stage and align with civil society’s advocacy priorities.
