The assessment is expected to provide insights into the preparedness of political parties, electoral institutions, civil society organisations and other critical actors, while also identifying areas that could strengthen the credibility, transparency and inclusiveness of the 2027 elections.
The development comes amid growing political activities across the country, with parties and politicians already positioning themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive electoral contest.
Against this backdrop, the faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) backed by Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has continued to project confidence in its ability to participate effectively in the 2027 elections.
The faction has been working to stabilise its structures and reposition the party ahead of the polls, despite the prolonged leadership crisis that has divided the PDP into rival camps. The Wike-backed group has repeatedly maintained that it remains committed to keeping the party politically relevant and preparing it for future elections.
Recent developments within the PDP have highlighted the intensity of the struggle over the party’s direction ahead of 2027. Various blocs have been holding meetings, negotiating positions and attempting to consolidate their structures across the states.
The involvement of IRI in stakeholder consultations is therefore coming at a critical period when political parties are beginning to intensify their preparations and opposition forces are exploring possible strategies for challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The institute’s engagement is expected to focus broadly on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, electoral processes, political participation and the capacity of relevant institutions and stakeholders to deliver credible elections.
For political parties, the assessment could also provide an opportunity to highlight concerns about the electoral process and make recommendations for improvements ahead of the 2027 polls.
Meanwhile, the Wike-backed PDP has continued to signal that it will not be caught unprepared. The faction’s activities suggest an attempt to rebuild organisational structures and strengthen its presence at the grassroots, which remains crucial to electoral success in Nigeria.
Wike has previously warned that political parties must put their houses in order if they intend to compete successfully in 2027. His position has reflected the growing concern within the PDP that internal disagreements could undermine its prospects at the next general election.
The PDP, which has governed Nigeria at the federal level for 16 years and remains a major opposition platform, has faced significant internal challenges since its defeat in the 2023 presidential election. The crisis has involved disagreements over party leadership, control of its structures and the direction of its presidential ambitions.
However, the Wike-backed faction has maintained that the party remains capable of surviving its internal challenges and returning to electoral relevance.
With the 2027 elections drawing closer, political calculations are expected to intensify, particularly around opposition cooperation, candidate selection, party structures and the possibility of alliances among opposition groups.
The outcome of the IRI stakeholders’ assessment could add to ongoing conversations about how Nigeria can strengthen its electoral institutions and ensure that political competition is conducted within democratic rules.
The 2027 election is already shaping up as a major test for Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly against the backdrop of concerns over voter participation, electoral integrity, internal party democracy and the ability of political parties to resolve disputes without prolonged litigation or fragmentation.
As stakeholders continue their consultations, attention is likely to remain focused on whether the major political parties can overcome their internal divisions and develop credible structures capable of competing effectively.
For the PDP faction backed by Wike, the immediate challenge will be to translate its assurances of readiness into concrete organisational strength, while broader opposition forces will have to determine whether they can work together or contest the election separately.
With political activities gathering momentum, the coming months are expected to provide clearer indications of the alliances, candidates and strategies that will define Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.