By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –
The 2023 Nigerian general election was a significant milestone in the country’s democratic journey. While it’s debatable whether it was the “best organized” election, several improvements were made to the electoral process. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) introduced new technologies, such as the Bi-modal Voting Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Results Viewing Portal, to enhance the integrity and transparency of the elections ¹.
These innovations aimed to address issues like voter verification, authentication, and result transmission. Additionally, INEC expanded voter registration, with over 93 million registered voters, and introduced measures to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities.
The election saw a significant increase in the number of political parties participating, with 18 parties contesting the presidential election. This led to a more diverse range of candidates and ideologies represented.
However, despite these improvements, the election was not without challenges. Issues like voter turnout, security concerns, and logistical problems affected the voting process. The election also saw allegations of vote buying and selling, as well as attacks on INEC facilities and personnel .
Overall, while the 2023 Nigerian general election marked an important step in the country’s democratic development, it’s essential to acknowledge both the progress made and the challenges that remain to be addressed.
Nigerians are calling for the removal of Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), due to alleged concerns over the integrity and fairness of the electoral process under his leadership. Specifically, many are criticized the handling of the 2023 general elections, citing issues with the voting process, results transmission, and allegations of bias to the extent that some wished him dead recently.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has been vocal about his dissatisfaction, calling for the dismissal of Yakubu and other INEC officials as part of a broader reform of the electoral process. Obasanjo argues that this is necessary to restore trust in the system and ensure free and fair elections in the future . The question begged for answer is that, was the any improvement at all or was it the case of “my preferred candidate” did not win?
These concerns and criticisms have sparked widespread debate and calls for accountability, with many Nigerians demanding change and improvements in the electoral process.
The criticism of INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu is a complex issue, and opinions on its justification vary depending on perspectives and expectations. Here are some points to consider:
Justification for criticism to some was based on
expectations versus Reality. Despite the introduction of improved technology, such as the BVAS and INEC Results Viewing Portal, many Nigerians felt that the elections did not meet their expectations for transparency, fairness, and efficiency.
Also justifying their argument was the Technical Issues. There were reports of technical glitches, server issues, and delays in result transmission, which raised concerns about the reliability of the electoral process.
The allegations of bias: Some Nigerians alleged that INEC, under Yakubu’s leadership, showed bias towards certain political parties or candidates, which undermined the integrity of the elections.
On the other hand, some argued against criticism based
Improved Technology. INEC introduced new technologies aimed at enhancing the electoral process, which showed promise and potential for future improvements.
They argued on the complexity of Elections which they noted that, conducting elections in a country as large and diverse as Nigeria is a complex task, and INEC faced significant logistical and security challenges.
Despite the criticisms, the 2023 elections saw some improvements, such as increased voter registration and participation, which suggest that INEC is making efforts to reform and improve.
While there are valid concerns and criticisms regarding the 2023 elections, it’s essential to acknowledge the complexities and challenges involved in conducting elections in Nigeria. The criticism of Prof. Yakubu and INEC is justified to some extent, but it’s also important to recognize the efforts made to improve the electoral process and the progress achieved. Ultimately, constructive criticism and dialogue are necessary to address the remaining challenges and ensure the continuous improvement of Nigeria’s electoral system.
The way forward for INEC involves addressing the challenges and shortcomings of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and other electoral processes.
To enhance the credibility of elections, INEC must improve the BVAS technology to prevent issues like voter disenfranchisement, over-voting, and connectivity problems. This can be achieved by:
Improving the facial recognition algorithm to accurately identify voters, especially the elderly.
It can also collaborating with telecommunication companies to expand coverage, ensuring seamless result transmission.
Also, the commission can establish backup plans for areas with poor internet connectivity, such as manual accreditation using National Identification Numbers (NIN).
In addition, INEC must prioritize electoral security to prevent violence, intimidation, and disenfranchisement. This can be achieved by, collaborating with Security Agencies, working closely with federal and state security forces to ensure the safety of voters, INEC staff, and materials which had already been undertaken by the umpire.
The commission should conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential flashpoints and developing strategies to mitigate them.
To build trust in the electoral process, INEC must promote transparency and accountability. This can be achieved by:
Developing a secure, automated system for transmitting results to prevent manipulation. Providing regular updates and information to stakeholders, including voters, political parties, and observers.
By addressing these areas, INEC can strengthen the electoral process, build trust, and ensure the integrity of future elections.
