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By Lawrence Agbo
A former National Commissioner of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC), Okechukwu Ibeanu, has warned that rather than bringing about significant reforms, recent debates and amendments to Nigeria’s electoral law risk returning the nation to the difficulties of 2018.
Speaking at a Townhall event on Sunday, Ibeanu stressed that systemic commitment is more important than constant legislative tweaking. He voiced worry that instead of addressing the voting system’s core flaws, policymakers are still concentrating on small changes.
“I think there are still gaps and loopholes in the law, and it’s unfortunate that it took us debating about a proviso for the country to come to a consensus that electronic transmission was actually in the 2022 act,” Ibeanu said.
He added, “But what we have done is actually to take us far back to 2018… We consistently tinker with the electoral legal framework as if that holds all the answers to our electoral problems.”
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Ibeanu stressed the importance of citizens and asked Nigerians to continue being watchful and engaged in protecting their votes.
“Citizens, this is about you. It is not about politicians; it is not about INEC. Except citizens are in a position to protect their votes and control those who ostensibly represent them, our dream of a truly democratic country will remain an illusion,” he said.
Chidi Nwafor, a former INEC Director of Information and Communication Technology, added to the conversation by emphasising the importance of the judiciary and security forces in maintaining election integrity.
Additionally, he suggested that INEC examine Electoral Act sections 50 and 70 to make sure the legislation effectively safeguards voters and fortifies electoral procedures.
The comments are made in the midst of continuing discussions on the new electoral law, with many interested parties advocating for a focus on systemic changes rather than small-scale legislative changes that could not be sufficient to solve underlying issues.
