Following the recent commendation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, of Ghana’s credible election, sharp criticisms have emerged from notable figures and political entities in Nigeria. Human Rights lawyer Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra, led the charge, accusing Yakubu of hypocrisy. Ejiofor stated that Yakubu’s actions during Nigeria’s 2023 presidential election, influenced by irregularities, undermined his credibility in praising Ghana’s electoral success. Ejiofor emphasised the clear disparity between Ghana’s election, where votes were counted transparently, and Nigeria’s controversial process, which left many disillusioned.
He noted that the alleged irregularities in Nigeria subverted democracy and called for accountability from INEC’s leadership. The failure of the Nigerian Electoral System to ensure fairness and transparency, according to him, has led to a crisis of confidence among the populace, who are now demanding justice and reform. Likewise, political parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, have also condemned the chairman’s remarks on Ghana’s election. They accused him of ignoring the flaws in Nigeria’s electoral system while lauding another nation’s democratic achievements.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s electoral process challenges.
The opposition party leaders described Yakubu’s trip to Ghana as inappropriate and suggested that the INEC chairman address the country’s electoral challenges instead. They emphasised the absence of violence, vote tampering, and technical glitches in Ghana’s election and argued that Yakubu’s leadership during the general election left the country with a credibility deficit. Both parties insist that Yakubu owes Nigerians a formal apology and should consider resigning to pave the way for reforms. They reiterated that such steps are essential to rebuilding public confidence in INEC’s ability to conduct free and fair elections in the future.
Allegations of vote rigging, violence, and technological failures marred the general 2023 presidential election. Critics argue that these issues stem from poor planning, lack of transparency, and compromised personnel. The inability to electronically transmit results further deepened public mistrust in the commission. This failure to utilise promised Technology to ensure transparency drew widespread condemnation and fueled perceptions of electoral malpractice. As citizens struggle with the consequences of these shortcomings, many call for institutional reforms. Observers believe restoring faith in the electoral process requires decisive action from INEC, politicians, and other stakeholders.
Ways to restore trust and integrity in Nigeria’s electoral process.
Enhancing transparency is a fundamental starting point for reform. INEC must prioritise openness in its operations, ensuring that electoral processes are clearly communicated and strictly adhered to. This includes providing timely updates and explanations for discrepancies to prevent Misinformation and mistrust. Furthermore, reliable systems for electronic result transmission must be established. The failure to transmit results electronically during the 2023 election undermined confidence and left room for accusations of manipulation. Investing in robust, secure, and efficient technology is crucial for credibility.
Personnel integrity is another critical area requiring attention. Only individuals with proven track records of impartiality and ethical conduct should be entrusted with overseeing elections. This will help minimise biases, reduce the risk of corruption, and promote trust in the process. On the other hand, addressing vote buying, a pervasive issue in Nigerian elections, demands a comprehensive strategy. Monitoring campaign financing, voter transactions, and strict penalties for offenders can discourage financial inducement and promote fair competition. Political leaders also bear responsibility for encouraging a Culture of fairness. Elections should not be viewed as a zero-sum game but as an opportunity for genuine representation.
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Politicians must abandon the ‘win-at-all-costs’ mentality and embrace democratic principles, respecting the electorate’s will. On the Security part, the Security Agencies play a vital role in maintaining order during elections. They must maintain neutrality and adhere strictly to rules of engagement. Protecting voters and electoral materials without bias or interference is essential for credible outcomes. Lastly and most importantly, the media also plays a key role. As society’s watchdogs, journalists and media outlets should act professionally and impartially, providing accurate and balanced coverage of electoral events. Their role includes noting irregularities and holding stakeholders accountable.