BY – ABIODUN IFEOLUWA.
In Nigeria, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the constitutional body saddled with the responsibility of conducting free, fair, and credible elections.
However, recent electoral cycles have raised pressing questions about the commission’s credibility, transparency, and accountability. If Nigeria’s democracy is to thrive, INEC must not only be empowered, but also held strictly accountable for the role it plays in the electoral process.
Elections are the heartbeat of
democracy. They provide citizens with the platform to exercise their fundamental right to choose leaders who will shape the nation’s political and economic direction.
However, recent electoral cycles have raised pressing questions about the commission’s credibility, transparency, and accountability. If Nigeria’s democracy is to thrive, INEC must not only be empowered but also be held strictly accountable for the role it plays in the electoral process.
The Mandate of INEC
INEC’s constitutional duty is clear: organize, conduct, and supervise elections in Nigeria.
Beyond logistics and ballot handling,
INEC is expected to provide a level playing field for all political actors, ensure the sanctity of the voter’s choice, and guarantee that elections reflect the will of the people. The commission is not just a referee; it is the guardian of Nigeria’s democracy.
Challenges Undermining INEC’s Credibility
Despite advancements such as the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the promise of electronic transmission of results, multiple challenges continue to mar the electoral process:
1. Logistical Failures
Elections are often plagued with late arrival of materials, malfunctioning machines, and poor training of ad-hoc staff. These lapses create room for disenfranchisement and manipulation.
2. Transparency Issues
The delay in uploading election results in real-time has raised doubts about whether the commission is fully committed to transparency. Citizens expect openness, but opacity often dominates.
3. Alleged Complicity in Electoral Malpractice
There have been widespread allegations that INEC officials, either through negligence or compromise, aid electoral fraud ranging from ballot stuffing to manipulation of collation processes.
4. Weak Enforcement of Electoral Laws
Despite clear electoral guidelines, parties and candidates often flout rules without consequences. INEC’s inability to enforce accountability on political actors further erodes public trust.
Why Accountability is Non-Negotiable
INEC operates with public funds, public trust, and under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Accountability ensures that:
Citizens’ Votes Count: Democracy loses meaning when electoral outcomes do not reflect the will of the people.
Trust in the System is Restored: Nigerians are fast losing faith in elections as a viable tool for change. An accountable INEC can reverse that trend.
Political Stability is Preserved: Credible elections reduce post-election violence and court litigations.
Pathways to Accountability
For INEC to truly uphold its mandate, several reforms and practical measures are necessary:
1. Institutional Independence
INEC must be free from political interference. Its leadership appointments and funding should be insulated from partisan control to ensure neutrality.
2. Technological Transparency
Full and uncompromised use of technology such as BVAS and IReV (INEC Result Viewing Portal) should be mandatory, with results transmitted and accessible in real time.
3. Strict Oversight
The National Assembly, civil society, and the judiciary must provide strong oversight of
INEC’s operations. Electoral officers found guilty of malpractice should face prosecution, not just internal reprimands.
4. Civic Engagement
Citizens must demand accountability from INEC, not only during elections but continuously. Civil society groups, the media, and voters themselves must serve as watchdogs.
5. Consequences for Failure
Without punitive measures for negligence or misconduct, INEC officials will continue to escape accountability. A legal framework that enforces penalties must be fully implemented.
Conclusion.
INEC is at the center of Nigeria’s democratic journey. If it falters, democracy falters. If it thrives in transparency and accountability, democracy flourishes.
Nigeria cannot afford electoral processes where the will of the people is subverted by inefficiency, corruption, or complicity.
The message is clear:
INEC must be held accountable.
This is not just for the sake of elections, but for the future of Nigeria’s democracy itself.