Nigerians Lose Faith in INEC: Urgent Reforms Needed for Credible 2027 Elections
Nigerians have expressed deep distrust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its ability to conduct credible elections in 2027, citing poor performance in recent off-cycle elections in Edo and Ondo states. Concerns about transparency, integrity, and political interference have fueled calls for comprehensive electoral reforms.
Many Nigerians criticized INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, for lauding Ghana’s seamless and credible election process while failing to replicate similar standards back home. Despite Yakubu’s assertion that Ghana adopted practices from Nigeria, the 2023 elections in Nigeria were marred by allegations of manipulation, ballot box snatching, and glitches in result transmission.
Key Reform Demands
Stakeholders and analysts have proposed urgent measures to rebuild trust and ensure a credible electoral process, including:
- True Independence for INEC: Shielding the commission from political interference and manipulation.
- Strengthened Electoral Laws: Overhauling laws to plug loopholes, enforce mandatory BVAS usage, and enable prompt electronic transmission of results.
- Enhanced Internal Party Democracy: Preventing the imposition of candidates within political parties.
- Voter Education: Increasing awareness initiatives to empower citizens and foster greater participation.
- Adoption of Technology: Modernizing voter registration, accreditation, and result transmission to move toward full electronic voting.
- Election Offences Tribunal: Establishing a tribunal to swiftly prosecute electoral offenders and ensure accountability.
Voices of Concern
Prof. Benjamin Okaba, President of the Ijaw National Congress, described Ghana’s electoral body as a “model of transparency and efficiency” and urged Nigeria to emulate its practices. He stressed that political will and ethical commitment are essential for implementing reforms.
Zik Gbemre, Coordinator of the Niger Delta Peace Coalition, echoed the sentiment, lamenting INEC’s underwhelming performance in recent elections. He underscored the need for accountability and consequences for electoral fraud to restore faith in the system.
The Path Forward
With Nigeria’s 2027 elections on the horizon, the call for comprehensive reforms is louder than ever. Stakeholders insist that without immediate action, achieving credible, fair, and transparent elections will remain a distant mirage.
