A public affairs commentator, Habib Aruna, has called on Nigeria’s political leaders and electoral institutions to draw lessons from the recently concluded United States midterm elections, particularly in the areas of electoral credibility, institutional independence and accountability.
Aruna, in an article titled Midterm Blues and Nigeria’s 2027 Elections, argued that the outcome of the American elections demonstrated how voters could use the ballot to hold political leaders accountable for their policies and performance.
He said the elections attracted international attention because of their potential implications for American domestic and foreign policies, as well as global politics and the economy.
According to him, the defeat suffered by President Donald Trump’s Republican Party reflected voters’ dissatisfaction with issues including rising living costs, purchasing power and the administration’s economic decisions.
Aruna noted that the Democratic Party’s campaign focused on affordability and accountability, while the Republicans struggled to present a convincing message to voters.
He argued that the results would also strengthen the role of the US Congress in checking the president’s actions, particularly as the opposition prepares to take greater control of the legislature.
Beyond the political outcome, Aruna said the American democratic system offered important lessons for countries such as Nigeria, where he believes public confidence in the electoral process and democratic institutions is increasingly fragile.
He pointed to the independence of American institutions, particularly the legislature and judiciary, as key factors that help sustain its democracy.
According to him, the separation of powers and the system of checks and balances prevent any arm of government from becoming too powerful, while ensuring that elected officials remain accountable to the people.
Comparing the electoral processes in both countries, Aruna praised what he described as the transparency and efficiency of the US elections, noting that results were announced promptly in many states and that political actors respected the outcome.
He also highlighted the conduct of political parties and their supporters, arguing that elections should not be treated as a do-or-die contest but as an opportunity for citizens to choose their leaders and express their views on government performance.
Turning to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, Aruna expressed concern over what he described as disturbing signs surrounding the political atmosphere, including reports of inadequate protection for opposition parties during rallies and campaigns.
He maintained that credible elections required more than the conduct of voting on election day, stressing that the entire process, from campaigns to the announcement of results and resolution of disputes, must be transparent and fair.
Aruna questioned why Nigerian politicians often view elections as battles to be won at all costs and accused some political actors of using state institutions to intimidate opposition figures and influence electoral outcomes.
He urged electoral and security institutions to remain impartial and ensure that all political parties could campaign freely without intimidation.
The commentator also called on Nigerians to remain committed to protecting the integrity of their votes, arguing that credible elections would make elected officials more responsive to the needs and expectations of citizens.
He said the experience of the United States should serve as a reminder that voters have the power to demand accountability and effect political change through the ballot box.
Aruna concluded that Nigeria’s democratic future depended on ensuring that votes counted and that the will of the electorate was respected at every level of government.
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