ABUJA — Governors, former ministers, and political leaders have called on the Federal Government to initiate comprehensive reforms of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. They said such reforms were crucial to restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy and strengthening electoral credibility.
The appeal was made during a high-level panel discussion organised by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership in Abuja, themed “Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015–2025: Gains, Gaps, and the Road Ahead.”
The event also marked the launch of the Athena Election Observatory, an initiative designed to monitor and document electoral reforms, governance trends, and innovations across Nigeria and Africa.
The dialogue brought together academics, policymakers, civil society leaders, and election experts to evaluate the impact of technological innovation on Nigeria’s elections over the past decade and to discuss strategies for credible polls in 2027.
Among the panelists were Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; and former Minister of Aviation and Chancellor of the Athena Centre, Osita Chidoka. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, was represented by Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Board of The Electoral Institute (BEI).
Former Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola strongly criticised the current process of appointing INEC’s leadership, describing it as a “grandstanding deceit.”
“It is a grandstanding deceit for the principal beneficiary of electoral manipulation to appoint the INEC Chairman,” he said.
Aregbesola proposed that only political parties with at least five members in the National Assembly should nominate INEC’s chairman and commissioners, arguing that this would ensure independence and fairness. His comments drew applause from participants, underscoring long-standing concerns over electoral autonomy.
Governor Soludo stressed that credible elections reflect the strength of governance and institutions, not just technology or legislation.
“The critical question is how to make our institutions work. We have made progress, but we still have a long way to go in building trust in the process,” he said.
“It is not just about the rules or the machines — it is about the people. We can only build democracy on institutions Nigerians trust.”
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State linked democratic stability to respect for the rule of law and accountability.
“We cannot talk about democracy without the rule of law. The rule of law guarantees fairness, justice, and peace,” he stated.
He added that Nigerians would only trust elections when institutions embody integrity and resist manipulation.
In his remarks, Osita Chidoka said Nigeria’s electoral problems stemmed from weak institutions and eroding public trust.
“Institutions, not individuals, make democracy work. When institutions are weak, governance becomes personalised and unaccountable,” he said.
Chidoka emphasized that transparency and fairness are the foundation of credible elections.
“The umpire must not be seen as a player. Without transparency, democracy becomes a shadow of itself.”
Responding on behalf of INEC, Prof. Abdullahi Abdu Zuru defended the commission’s record, affirming its commitment to transparency and technological innovation.
“INEC has continued to reform its processes and embed transparency in all its operations,” he said, adding that the commission had established an Artificial Intelligence unit to enhance data integrity and electoral monitoring ahead of 2027.
The session concluded with a collective call for institutional reforms, stronger legal frameworks, and greater public trust as Nigeria prepares for another crucial election cycle.
