As the 2027 general elections draw nearer, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must ensure the electorate trusts it to deliver a credible, free, and fair election. It is crucial for INEC to gain the confidence of Nigerians by eliminating vote buying, election rigging, and all forms of electoral malpractices and irregularities.
Restoring Citizen Faith in the Electoral Process
When citizens go to the polls in 2027 to choose their preferred candidates and representatives, they must exercise their free will and influence the electoral process. They should have a scorecard to appraise political office holders and the economic reforms of the present administration. However, challenges of governance and insincerity among leaders have caused many Nigerians to lose interest in politics. To restore faith and trust, INEC, under Chairman Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, must act as an agent of change to rebuild confidence.
The Role of INEC in Ensuring Credible Elections
Nigerians must set aside tribal and religious differences to elect leaders based on merit, competence, and track record. The electoral system must protect citizens' interests so that their votes count, and it should encourage the electorate to overcome political apathy. Citizens must be able to hold leaders accountable for their promises. It is vital for INEC Chairman Professor Ojo Amupitan to understand that his office's critical role is to bring lasting change and restore confidence by ensuring the 2027 election is free, fair, and credible. Sincerity of purpose and accountability are key, and INEC must allow the candidate with the majority of votes across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to be declared winner based on the expressed will of the citizens.
Learning from India's Electoral Transformation
Professor Amupitan has the opportunity to write his name in gold by ensuring free and fair elections. India's journey from electoral malpractice to a credible system offers valuable lessons. After independence, India faced booth capturing, ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and misuse of state power by ruling parties, especially during The Emergency (1975–1977) under Indira Gandhi, which weakened trust in elections.
Key Reforms in India
A major turning point came in the 1990s with the strengthening of the Election Commission of India under T. N. Seshan. The commission became more assertive, enforcing electoral laws strictly. Key reforms included:
- Introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) to replace paper ballots, reducing manipulation.
- Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) for transparency.
- Improved voter registration and voter ID cards to eliminate impersonation and multiple voting.
- Transparent vote counting and result collation procedures.
- Strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct to prevent misuse of government resources.
- Security measures such as phased elections and deployment of security personnel to prevent violence.
- Judicial oversight by the Supreme Court to disqualify candidates involved in malpractice.
- Role of media and civil society in exposing irregularities and promoting transparency.
- Voter education campaigns to increase participation.
Results and Lessons for Nigeria
These efforts made Indian elections more transparent, competitive, and widely accepted, with peaceful transfers of power. Challenges like vote buying and money in politics remain, but the system is resilient. India's experience shows that free and fair elections require strong independent institutions, effective technology, strict rule enforcement, legal backing, and active citizen participation. Nigeria can learn from these measures and, by God's grace, surpass best practices globally.
• Tobiloba Ahmed wrote from Lagos.
