The Ogbako Igbo Nile, a sociocultural organisation of Ndigbo has thrown its weight behind the call for electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying the country needs electronic voting and transmission of results by the electoral umpire in real time. The group said it was the only way to restore confidence in the electoral process and cure the apathy of the electorate. Speaking in an exclusive chat with Daily Sun, President General of Ogbako Igbo Nile Worldwide, Amb. Akpelu Azuka, said the 2027 general elections presents Nigeria with another unique opportunity to deepen democracy, but warned that it would not be achieved without comprehensive electoral reforms before the 2027 general elections.
He reiterated that the credibility of election results is the foundation of democracy, good governance and national stability and advocated for reforms in the areas of independence of INEC, the judiciary, electronic voting and result transmission, diaspora voting, electoral offences enforcement, campaign finance regulation, inclusive participation and security reforms as the panacea to cure the current apathy among Nigerians in coming out to exercise their civil responsibility.
“Since 1999, Nigeria’s democratic journey has been pockmarked with recurring electoral malpractice, violence and money politics, weakening public confidence in our electoral system. As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the National Assembly has a historic responsibility to enact reforms that will consolidate democracy and restore legitimacy to governance.”
“INEC and the judiciary must be constitutionally guaranteed full independence in financing and appointments.
“Their budgets should be drawn directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, insulated from executive influence.
“Appointment of INEC commissioners and top judicial officers should be handled by a multi-stakeholder committee involving the legislature, judiciary, civil society and professional bodies to reduce partisanship.”
Dr Azuka recommended that it must be compulsory for the results from polling units to be electronically transmitted to INEC’s central server in real time and that it must be spelt out by the law that electronically transmitted results takes precedence over manual collation.
The former Imo State President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, said that the reforms should include swift electoral litigation and that swearing in of elected officials should be at the conclusion of any dispute arising from the polls.
“Election petitions must be concluded before swearing-in of elected officials.
“Establish special electoral courts with a 90-day maximum timeline for judgments.
“Similarly, there must be a law to enforce campaign funds limits and disclosure of sources of funds, expenditures and must be subject to an independent audit,” he submitted.
Credit: The Sun