ANAP Foundation and Advocates Champion Electoral and Judicial Reforms for Nigeria's Democracy
The ANAP Foundation, operating through its civic initiative known as GoNigeria, has pinpointed electoral reform, judicial reform, freedom of speech, and the security of life and property as essential pillars for fortifying Nigeria's democratic trajectory. In a statement released yesterday, the Convener of ANAP Foundation, Atedo Peterside, joined by 23 other advocates, emphasized that these pillars serve as practical guardrails necessary for constructing a durable and productive democracy.
Electoral Reform as the Fundamental Priority
The Foundation underscored that among the four identified pillars, electoral reform stands as the most fundamental. It highlighted that credible elections are central to legitimacy, institutional trust, and effective governance. "Elections do not simply select leaders; they determine whether power is accepted as legitimate, whether institutions are trusted, and whether governance will be effective. Where elections are credible, authority is strengthened," the statement articulated.
Historical Context and Technological Advances
The advocates referenced the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee, which stressed the independence of the electoral body, transparency in processes, credible dispute resolution, and strict enforcement of electoral rules. They noted that subsequent reforms introduced digital innovations, including biometric voter registration, Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and electronic accreditation. These advancements were described as responses to both institutional intent and public demand for credible elections.
According to the statement, these efforts culminated during the 2015 general elections, widely regarded as a benchmark in Nigeria's democratic journey. However, it was observed that the gains have since weakened, with progress proving fragile.
Declining Public Trust and Regional Disparities
The group pointed out that following the 2019 and 2023 elections, public trust has regressed due to uneven use of technology, weak enforcement of rules, and increased reliance on courts to determine electoral outcomes. Recent surveys indicate that less than half of Nigerians have confidence in the electoral commission, with distrust particularly pronounced in the South-South and South-East regions.
Among young Nigerians aged 18 to 35, nearly three-quarters reportedly lack confidence in the system's ability to deliver free and fair elections. This highlights a significant challenge in engaging the youth demographic in the democratic process.
Call for Comprehensive Reforms
The ANAP Foundation and its advocates are calling for a renewed focus on these critical areas to restore faith in Nigeria's democratic institutions. By addressing electoral and judicial reforms alongside freedom of speech and security, they aim to build a more resilient and accountable governance framework for the future.
