By Abdullahi Lukman
In a move to protect Nigeria’s democratic process from the growing threats of climate change, a civil society organisation, Connected Advocacy, has unveiled a proposal aimed at building a climate-resilient electoral system.
The initiative, titled “Strengthening Nigeria’s Democracy through Electoral Climate Reform,” was announced in a statement signed by the organisation’s Executive Secretary, Mr. Israel Orekha, and released in Lagos on Friday, June 27, 2025.
At the centre of the proposal is the National Electoral Climate Preparedness Protocol—a first-of-its-kind framework designed to ensure that elections remain credible, inclusive, and resilient, even in the face of environmental disruptions such as flooding, heatwaves, and displacement.
“Recent elections have shown how climate risks can cripple logistics, lower voter turnout, and damage public trust,” Orekha stated.
“We can no longer treat environmental hazards as separate from democratic integrity. This reform is essential to protect the voices of millions.”
The protocol recommends several key interventions, including climate risk assessments in electoral planning, emergency voting mechanisms in disaster-hit areas, off-site digital backups of voter registers, and stronger coordination between INEC, NEMA, NiMET, the Federal Ministry of Environment, and security agencies.
A phased implementation is proposed, starting with consultations and pilot schemes in high-risk states, and progressing to a national rollout and full institutionalisation within three years.
Orekha called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Assembly, civil society groups, and international development partners to support the initiative.
According to him, adopting climate-adaptive electoral reforms would not only strengthen Nigeria’s democracy but also position the country as a leader in sustainable governance across Africa.
