From Kayode Akanni
In the intricate landscape of Nigeria’s political environment, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) stands as a pivotal institution. Its chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, an erudite scholar and administrator, has been at the forefront of reforming the electoral process, striving to uphold the integrity and sanity of elections in Africa’s most populous nations. Under his leadership, INEC has embarked on a transformative journey aimed at restoring public trust and ensuring that democracy thrives in Nigeria.
Since assuming office, the INEC chairman, a figure of profound influence, has been unwavering in his commitment to strengthening the electoral framework. Recognising that the credibility of elections is paramount, he has implemented a series of reforms designed to enhance transparency and accountability. One of the most significant measures has been the introduction of technology in the electoral process. The deployment of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) has revolutionised voter registration and accreditation, ensuring a more accurate and efficient process. This is being supported with INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) which provide real-time access to election results directly from polling units.
This technological shift not only reduces the incidence of fraud but also bolsters the confidence of the electorate in the electoral process.
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Little wonder, that in the history of recent elections in Nigeria, INEC had fewer results upturned by the court in 2023 as the judiciary in most cases concur with the outcome of the exercise supervised by INEC. The election saw what many observers deemed unprecedented upsets, with incidents that had never before occurred in Nigeria’s electoral history. Notably, Peter Obi’s Labour Party secured a significant victory over Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State. This marks the first time in over two decades that Tinubu has faced such a defeat in his political stronghold since 1999. In a remarkable turn of events, even the then National Chairman of the APC, Abdullahi Adamu, lost his polling unit to the Labour Party. In Kaduna State, APC Governor Nasir El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, faced a similar setback as the PDP’s Atiku Abubakar emerged victorious in the presidential election there. A credit to Prof Yakubu-led INEC for ensuring that votes were counted accurately.
The chairman has also prioritised the need for meticulous voter education. Understanding that informed citizens are the bedrock of a vibrant democracy, he has initiated campaigns to educate the public on the electoral process, voting rights, and the importance of participation. This emphasis on civic education is crucial in a country where voter apathy has historically been a significant challenge. By fostering a culture of informed voting, INEC has empowered citizens to actively engage in the democratic process, making them stakeholders in shaping their governance.
Electoral integrity is not merely about the processes but also about the environment in which elections occur. Under the chairman’s stewardship, INEC has taken substantial steps to mitigate electoral violence and malpractices that have marred previous elections.
Collaborating with security agencies, the commission has developed a comprehensive security framework that ensures the safety of voters, election officials, and materials on election day. While there are still few cases of election violence occasioned by desperate politicians who are used to the old way of doing things, Yakubu-led INEC is determined to create a secure environment and foster a culture of peace during elections, thereby encouraging more citizens to exercise their franchise without fear.
In addition to implementing security measures, the chairman has advocated for independent monitoring of elections. By inviting local and international observers to oversee the electoral process, INEC enhances transparency and deter malpractice. The presence of unbiased observers not only reassures the electorate but also holds political actors accountable, discouraging attempts to manipulate the system. This initiative underscores the chairman’s belief that a transparent electoral environment is crucial for restoring public trust in democracy. Even in the face of skepticism regarding some monitoring groups, Yakubu has consistently ensured that the commission he oversees is not only transparent but is perceived as such by the public.
Another cornerstone of the chairman’s vision is inclusivity. Recognising that Nigeria’s diverse population encompasses various ethnic, religious, and social groups, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that the electoral process is accessible to all. Initiatives aimed at increasing the participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities have been prioritised. The commission also integrated CVR Locator into its portal to enable online registrants to locate the nearest registration centre available to them to complete their registration. It converted Voting Points and Voting Point Settlements into full-fledged Polling Units and relocated poorly situated Polling Units to better locations to make Polling Units accessible to voters, especially Persons with Disability (PWDs). By implementing special measures to encourage these groups to register and vote, INEC under Yakubu’s guidance is fostering a more inclusive democracy that will ensure that every Nigerian irrespective of gender or social status has the right to select who lead them.
The chairman has also advocated for the removal of barriers that impede the participation of marginalised groups. For instance, campaigns targeting rural areas have been launched to reach voters who may have been overlooked in previous elections.
A robust electoral process requires a strong institutional framework. The INEC chairman understands this necessity and has placed significant emphasis on building the capacity of the commission. Training programmes for electoral officials have been enhanced to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage elections effectively. This focus on capacity building extends to technological training, ensuring that staff are proficient in using new systems and tools that have been introduced.
Moreover, the chairman has advocated for greater autonomy and funding for INEC. A well-resourced and independent electoral commission, free from external pressures, is essential for maintaining the integrity of elections and building public confidence.
While the INEC chairman’s vision for transforming the electoral process is ambitious, it is not without challenges. Nigeria’s political landscape is fraught with complexities, including entrenched political interests, widespread corruption, and socio-economic disparities.
However, the chairman’s resilience in the face of these challenges has been commendable. He remains steadfast in his belief that meaningful change is possible and that a new era of electoral integrity can be achieved.
His commitment to transparency has sometimes attracted criticism from political elites who resist change. Nevertheless, he has maintained a steady course, prioritising the long-term benefits of a credible electoral process over short-term political gains. This unwavering dedication to reform has earned him respect both nationally and internationally, positioning Nigeria as a country on the path to electoral excellence where every vote counts and every voice is heard.
