Political leaders and election analysts have called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to display its election technology openly before every poll and sync its national voter register with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) database in an attempt to enhance transparency and trust among citizens.
The call was made in Abuja during the launch of the Athena Election Observatory at a national dialogue titled “Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015–2025: Gains, Gaps and the Road Ahead” organized by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership.
Former Osun State governor and African Democratic Congress national secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, gave a biting rebuke of INEC’s current structure, emphasizing that the appointment process denies independence. He claimed, “A situation where the main beneficiary of manipulation appoints who heads INEC has already decided what will happen.”
Aregbesola advocated that political parties that have at least five members in the National Assembly should be allowed to nominate candidates to lead INEC with an eye to ensuring balance and responsibility. He also demanded strict adherence to the Electoral Act, which mandates the commission to display its election technology before usage.
Anambra Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo also was in softer tone and acknowledged shifts in Nigeria’s electoral process. “Where we are today, the difference is day and night,” he said. Yet he cautioned that the “Nigerian factor” remains, noting that some politicians remain unconvinced that votes can be cast, counted, and results declared without being tampered with.
Soludo was one of those who campaigned that election laws be strictly enforced by demanding the prosecution and imprisonment of any INEC official found flouting election regulations.
Athena Centre Chancellor Osita Chidoka presented facts showing non-compliance at the collation centres still the greatest flaw in Nigeria’s elections. He said that instances of over-voting in certain polling stations during recent governorship elections in Kogi, Imo, and Bayelsa substantially altered outcomes, going further to say that INEC recorded only 40–59 percent in handling such malpractices its “Achilles heel.”
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, insisted on the need for strong technical infrastructure, advocating for online connection of BVAS and IReV in real-time. “Infrastructure is key if we truly want credible elections,” he further said that Nigeria must mind institutions, not individuals, to safeguard democracy and the rule of law.
