A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Yiaga Africa, has urged President Bola Tinubu to publicly announce his position on election reforms in preparation for the 2027 elections.
This call was made by Mr. Samson Itodo, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, during a reflection roundtable held in Abuja to review the outcomes of the 2023 general election.
Itodo emphasized the importance of President Tinubu articulating his agenda for electoral reforms to instill confidence in the citizens, especially since a year had passed since he assumed office. The organization highlighted the necessity for the President to address electoral reforms promptly to address the lack of public confidence in the electoral process.
Furthermore, Yiaga Africa stressed the need for the judiciary to engage in self-reflection, particularly concerning conflicting judgments that have raised concerns about public trust in the judiciary. Itodo also emphasized the importance of prosecuting electoral offenders to uphold the rule of law in a constitutional democracy.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, Itodo underscored the urgency of resolving these issues to prevent a recurrence of the missed opportunity to build trust and confidence in the electoral process during the 2023 elections. He encouraged citizens, especially the youth, not to lose hope, emphasizing that collective efforts could lead to positive change in the country’s electoral landscape.
Dr. Yunusa Tanko, a former chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), echoed the need to safeguard the integrity of Nigerian elections. He called for measures to ensure the autonomy of local government councils, enhance the financing of political parties, improve infrastructure such as electricity and communication systems, and eliminate cross-carpeting to promote transparency in elections.
Former INEC National Commissioner, Mr. Festus Okoye, highlighted the importance of focusing on political parties rather than solely on INEC, as electoral offenses are often perpetrated by political elites. He emphasized the need to protect electoral workers and address challenges posed by individuals seeking to disrupt the electoral process.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Sharafadeen Ali, affirmed the commitment of the 10th National Assembly to conduct a thorough assessment of INEC as part of the ongoing reforms aimed at ensuring free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria.
The 71-page report by Yiaga Africa titled “Electoral Trust Restored? Nigeria’s Electoral Process One Year After the 2023 General Elections” contains detailed findings and recommendations aimed at enhancing the integrity and transparency of the electoral process in Nigeria.
