Former Independent National Electoral Commission Resident Electoral Commissioner Mike Igini has described INEC as Nigeria’s most innovative public institution, but warned that sabotage and corruption remain major challenges facing the electoral body.
Igini said the commission faces sabotage both from within and outside the institution, raising concerns about the factors that could undermine its ability to conduct credible elections.
According to the former electoral commissioner, internal and external interference, alongside corruption, poses a serious challenge to INEC’s operations and its efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process.
His remarks highlight the need to address weaknesses within the commission and tackle outside interference that could affect the conduct of elections.
Igini’s assessment also points to the importance of protecting the institution’s independence, strengthening accountability and ensuring that those responsible for electoral duties carry out their roles without interference.
Although he described INEC as the country’s most innovative public institution, his comments suggest that innovation alone may not be enough to overcome the challenges of sabotage and corruption.
The former commissioner’s remarks have renewed attention on the need to protect the electoral body from internal and external threats as Nigeria continues to seek credible, transparent and trusted elections.
