Fatshimetrie: Deep Dive into Nigeria’s Electoral Challenges
The recent election in Nigeria has led to a wave of criticism against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), sparking allegations of fraudulent electoral conduct and procedural lapses.
INEC Process Under the Spotlight
Civil society groups, such as YIAGA Africa, have expressed serious concerns about INEC’s management of the collation process. Samson Itodo, Executive Director of YIAGA Africa, pointed out that while INEC followed its directives during the vote, the collation of results has become problematic. “There is a regression in the quality of our results management process,” he lamented, noting that old tactics of electoral manipulation were resurfacing.
Politicians’ Reaction
Otunba Segun Showunmi, a former governorship aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, has criticised the electoral process, describing it as a referendum on the performance of the ruling party and the effectiveness of the opposition. He lamented the internal divisions within the PDP, which he believes contributed to their defeat.
The Impact of Voter Manipulation
Patience Key, the governorship aspirant of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), has questioned the authenticity of the results, saying they did not reflect the real will of the people. She expressed frustration over reports of vote buying, where voters allegedly sold their votes for as low as ₦10,000.
Call for Accountability
Beyond individual politicians, civil society organisations have collectively condemned the handling of the Edo election. Jake Epelle, CEO of TAF Africa, criticized the logistical challenges that hampered the election, particularly INEC’s reliance on inefficient transport unions.
The Way Forward
The aftermath of the Edo election reflects broader dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s electoral system. Despite promises of reform, issues such as vote buying, manipulation of results and logistical inefficiencies continue to plague the democratic process.
It is imperative that comprehensive reforms are undertaken to ensure free, fair and transparent elections in Nigeria. As a developing nation, Nigeria needs a strong and honest electoral system to strengthen its democracy and ensure a stable future for its people.