Yiaga Africa, IPAC Warn About Waning Public Trust In Elections
Public trust on elections in Nigeria has dropped from 33 per cent to 23 per cent due to alleged mismanagement of elections by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary according to reports recent reports by Yiaga Africa and Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC).
Presenting a communique of a seminar titled, “Nigeria’s Electoral Process: One Year After the 2023 General Election,” organised by the two groups, Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Otodo, said the Afrobarometer survey findings that only 23 percent of Nigerians trust of INEC signify a crisis of confidence that must be urgently addressed.
His words: “Trust in electoral processes is the bedrock of democratic legitimacy, and as such, Yiaga Africa calls for greater transparency and accountability for all election stakeholders. We acknowledge the technological strides made by INEC, particularly with the BVAS.
“However, we encourage INEC to continue to strive for greater transparency and regular public engagement, to rebuild and enhance the public trust despite unclear stance of the Bola Tinubu-led administration on electoral reform.” Noting that the Tinubu administration is yet to declare its stance on electoral reform a year after the general election, Itodo further said: “Following the conclusion of election petitions, there is a public expectation that the President would present a definitive electoral reform agenda to restore trust in the process.
Yiaga Africa therefore calls on the Tinubu-led administration to articulate and implement a definitive electoral reform agenda for Nigeria. He added that the commitment of the presidency to support and assent to legislative efforts to reform the electoral framework is critical to restoring public trust.
“Yiaga Africa acknowledges the importance of judicial pronouncements in shaping electoral jurisprudence. However, it said that the legal inconsistencies and the conflicting judgements that surfaced post-election are of great concern.
“The judiciary must conduct an introspective audit to rectify the inconsistencies and legal discrepancies that have contributed to a decline in judicial trust among the Nigerian people. “The perceived capture of the election management body through partisan appointments undermines INEC’s integrity. Yiaga Africa stands firm against any form of political interference that compromises the neutrality and independence of electoral institutions,” Itodo said.
He further noted that the culture of electoral impunity, highlighted by instances of attacks on INEC officials, pre-filled results sheets and violence at polling units, pose a significant threat to the rule of law and democratic order. He maintained that Yiaga Africa insists on stringent measures against electoral offenders to deter future misconduct.
He also noted that the obstruction of legal processes and the tampering with electoral evidence are unacceptable, just as he urged the judiciary and security agencies to protect the sanctity of electoral materials and the legal rights of all stakeholders to seek justice.
“The report paints a picture of declining public trust, questionable political will for electoral reform, institutional challenges, unchecked electoral misconduct, intentional obstruction of electoral justice, declining voter turnout, and evolving jurisprudence on electoral matters. “These trends are a stark reminder of the fragility of Nigeria’s democracy and they underscore the urgent need for comprehensive democratic reform.
“The documented cases of election manipulation, violence and brigandage in states like Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo as well as the widespread inconsistencies in the judicial pronouncements, raise grave concerns about the commitment to democracy, constitutionalism and the rule of law. “The prevalence of attacks on INEC officials, pre-filled result sheets, political thuggery, violence and reports of inflated turnout figures call into question the credibility of electoral outcomes and undermine public confidence in democratic institutions.
“These trends reveal a challenge in our political culture and it constitutes an affront to the Nigerian electorate,” Itodo stated. In his keynote address, IPAC Chairman, Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, called for the amendment to the 1999 Constitution on the appointment of the chairman of the National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as national and resident electoral commissioners.
He said: “Appointment of INEC Chairman, National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners will move the powers of appointment from the president to another independent body subject to confirmation by the Senate.” According to the IPAC chairman, “it will guarantee neutrality, impartiality and independence of the Chairman and Resident Electoral Commissioners in discharging their constitutional duties.”
On electoral reforms, the IPAC chairman said: “As a major stakeholder in the democratic process, IPAC has set up a Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments Committee that will make proposals to be presented to the National Assembly.” He added: “The need for electoral reform cannot be overemphasized in the quest for sustainable democracy in Nigeria. We support the scrapping of state independent electoral commissions as the enormous powers and influence of state governors affect the independent status of these commissions.
“It has also affected the democratically elected local government councils across the country. Politics is local, so citizens should be encouraged to actively participate in grassroots politics that guarantees free, fair and credible local government elections. “There is the need to protect the sanctity of our electoral process is critical in upholding the tenets of democracy.
The rate of electoral offences is alarming, disturbing and startling. So, the need for establishment of Electoral Offences Commission cannot be overemphasized. Electoral offenders must also be severely punished to serve as a deterrent to others.”
