By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC-Africa, has petitioned President Bola Tinubu, expressing deep concern over what it described as emerging signs of democratic backsliding in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a letter dated July 2, 2026, and addressed to the President, the continental labour body warned that recent political and judicial developments, particularly court judgments affecting opposition political parties, could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy if not urgently addressed.
ITUC-Africa, which represents over 18 million workers in 52 African countries, stated that Nigeria’s strategic position as Africa’s largest democracy places a greater responsibility on its leaders to safeguard constitutional governance and democratic institutions.
According to the letter signed by its General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, and copied to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the organisation said: “The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa), representing over 18 million working women and men in 52 African countries, including Nigeria, writes to express its profound concern regarding recent political and institutional developments in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which, when viewed cumulatively, present indicators of democratic backsliding that warrant urgent national reflection and corrective action.”

The organisation stressed that developments in Nigeria have implications beyond its borders because of the country’s political and economic influence across Africa.

It added: “Nigeria occupies a unique and indispensable position within Africa’s democratic architecture, as Africa’s largest and the black world’s biggest democracy… Consequently, developments affecting democratic governance in Nigeria extend beyond its national borders with possible devastating effects throughout West Africa and the African continent.”

The labour body cited the 2026 Freedom in the World report by Freedom House, noting that Nigeria was classified as “Partly Free” with a score of 44 out of 100, reflecting concerns over political rights, judicial independence, corruption, civic freedoms and electoral integrity.

ITUC-Africa also expressed concern over recent judgments by the Federal High Court in Abuja and Lokoja directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and other political parties.

The letter stated: “Given the proximity of the 2027 General Elections, the judgment attracted significant national and international attention due to its potential implications for political pluralism, electoral competition and political participation.”

While maintaining that it was not commenting on the legal merits of the court cases, the organisation warned that repeated litigation involving opposition parties and public debate over the neutrality of state institutions could erode confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

“We are concerned that recurring litigation involving opposition parties, conflicting judicial pronouncements in politically sensitive matters, and growing public debate regarding the neutrality of constitutional institutions may collectively diminish confidence in democratic governance if left unaddressed,” the letter said.

ITUC-Africa explained that its intervention was consistent with the historical role of trade unions in defending democracy, constitutional governance and social justice across Africa.

“Trade unions have historically stood at the forefront of Africa’s struggle for freedom, decolonisation, liberation, the defeat of Apartheid, the defence and consolidation of democracy and social justice… It is therefore both our historic obligation and our continental responsibility to speak whenever democratic institutions appear vulnerable or civic and political space risks becoming constrained.”

The organisation further disclosed that its continental early warning mechanism had identified recent developments in Nigeria as issues requiring careful monitoring ahead of the 2027 elections.

It called on President Tinubu to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to constitutional democracy by ensuring political pluralism, protecting civic space, guaranteeing equal participation for opposition parties and preserving the independence of state institutions.

ITUC-Africa also appealed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the judiciary to continue safeguarding the independence and integrity of the courts.

“At this pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey, the Judiciary remains one of the principal guardians of constitutional order. Its continued independence is indispensable to maintaining public confidence in the rule of law and the legitimacy of the democratic process,” the letter stated.