The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has called on the Nigerian government to pursue genuine electoral reform that would usher in acceptable, free, and fair general elections in 2027.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Joel Odigie, the pan-African workers’ organisation said it stands in solidarity with the country’s organised labour in advocating electoral reform that will stand the test of time.
“The Africa Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) stands in firm solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the working people of Nigeria in defence of electoral integrity, democratic accountability, and people-centred governance.
“This position arises from growing concern about legislative ambiguity surrounding electoral reforms, particularly regarding transparency in the transmission and collation of results—issues that undermine the core of democratic credibility and public trust.
“We state unequivocally that democracy cannot survive where the will of the people is weakened or subjected to political manoeuvring,” the statement said.
It noted that in every true democracy, elected representatives are servants of the people, not their masters.
The Senate, it stressed, has no reason but to act in the interest of its constituents, “those who hired and entrusted them to legislate in their name”, adding that public office is a “sacred duty to defend the people’s sovereignty, not a platform for self-interest or an elite club detached from citizens’ realities.”
“The Nigerian Senate’s current posturing and political ambiguity in response to a simple, straightforward request from the Nigerian people constitute a serious threat to democracy, which is inseparably linked to development, stability and social progress.
“When democratic institutions falter, it is working people who bear the heaviest burden through instability, weakened protections, and erosion of rights,” Odigie said.
According to the General Secretary, signals emerging from the Senate risk deepening distrust in democratic processes, undermining universal suffrage, and weakening confidence that every vote counts and is seen to count.
“At this critical moment, electoral reform must strengthen democracy from within by promoting transparency, accountability, and credibility, not produce systems that are exclusionary, rudderless, or regressive.
“ITUC-Africa calls on the Nigerian Senate and its House of Representatives counterpart to act decisively, restore public trust, and ensure reforms that safeguard the sovereignty of the Nigerian people,” he added.
ITUC-Africa stands with @NLCHeadquarters and Nigerian workers demanding genuine electoral reform.
Democracy cannot survive where the people’s will is weakened by political maneuvering. @AkhatorO
The Nigerian Senate must act in the people’s interest NOW.
@bbcafrique @AUC_PAPS… pic.twitter.com/5yIfV1BIEl— ITUC-Africa (@ituc_africa) February 12, 2026