Thomas Jefferson, one of America’s founding fathers, wrote in the United States Declaration of Independence that when a government engages in a “long train of abuses and usurpations” aimed at establishing absolute despotism, it becomes the right — even the duty — of the people to throw off such a government.
That principle has often been invoked in political debates around the world, especially in moments of perceived democratic decline.
In Nigeria’s current political climate, concerns are being raised about the integrity of the 2027 elections. Critics argue that a shift toward manual collation of results could weaken transparency and open the door to manipulation. They point to past advocacy for electronic voting — including statements made years ago by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu — and question whether current electoral processes represent progress or regression.
For some opposition voices, the stakes of 2027 go beyond party competition. They frame the election as a defining struggle over constitutionalism, justice, and the sovereignty of the people. Drawing comparisons to movements such as the 1986 People Power uprising that removed Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines, they argue that mass civic action can become a decisive force when institutional remedies fail.
However, democratic systems are built on lawful mechanisms for change — elections, judicial review, legislative reform, civil society advocacy, and peaceful protest. While resistance to perceived injustice is a recognized democratic principle, the form that resistance takes is crucial. History shows that violent upheaval can bring instability, economic disruption, and unintended consequences.
As 2027 approaches, the central question is not only about who wins power, but about how power is contested and transferred. For many Nigerians, the priority remains strengthening electoral transparency, mobilizing voter participation, demanding accountability, and ensuring that democratic institutions function as intended.
Ultimately, the debate reflects a broader tension present in many democracies: how citizens respond when they believe the system is failing them — and how to pursue justice without undermining the very foundations of constitutional order.
Published by Ejoh Caleb
