The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to closely examine and adopt the transparent practices observed in the ongoing local council elections in parts of Great Britain. According to HURIWA, these elections are being conducted peacefully, with results transmitted automatically and electronically, free from unnecessary confusion, rancor, or allegations of manipulation.
HURIWA's Statement on UK Elections
In a statement released on Friday and signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA highlighted that the orderly conduct of the UK local council polls serves as an exemplary model for INEC. The statement noted that political parties including the Conservative Party, Labour Party, Reform Party, Green Party, and Liberal Democrats have expressed satisfaction with the process, demonstrating accountability, transparency, integrity, sincerity, preparedness, and neutrality.
HURIWA pointed out that in the UK council elections, results are uploaded electronically and announced almost immediately at polling units, contrasting sharply with the tension, widespread manipulation allegations, and unnecessary delays that often plague major elections in Nigeria.
Call for Institutional Change
“This transparent process is exactly the kind of electoral culture that Nigerians expect INEC to institutionalize ahead of the January 2027 general election,” the statement read. The association advised the current INEC Chairman to learn from the British electoral system and cautioned against diverting public attention by repeatedly citing insecurity as the primary threat to credible elections in Nigeria.
HURIWA emphasized that while insecurity is a national concern requiring serious attention from security institutions, Nigerians are more worried about the credibility, neutrality, and independence of the electoral umpire itself.
Rebuilding Public Trust
According to HURIWA, the credibility crisis facing INEC cannot be ignored or dismissed, as elections fundamentally rely on public trust, neutrality, and confidence in the electoral process. “INEC must urgently rebuild trust because many Nigerians presently believe that the electoral commission lacks the neutrality and independence required to conduct transparent elections. Public confidence in elections is central to democracy and cannot be ignored,” it added.
