The Independent Journalists Association of Publishers (IJAP) has thrown its weight behind the compelling appeal made by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), demanding an immediate end to the disturbing trend of 'courtroom elections' in Nigeria.
Breaking the Courtroom Cycle
Professor Yakubu's powerful statement highlights a critical flaw in Nigeria's electoral system where election outcomes are increasingly being determined by court judgments rather than the will of the people expressed through ballot boxes. This practice, according to the INEC chairman, undermines the very foundation of democracy and erodes public trust in the electoral process.
IJAP's Strong Endorsement
The IJAP, representing a broad coalition of media professionals and publishers, has unequivocally endorsed Professor Yakubu's position. The association emphasizes that the current situation where courts essentially decide election winners creates numerous concerning implications:
- Diminishes voter confidence in the electoral system
- Encourages litigation over genuine political engagement
- Diverts resources from development to endless legal battles
- Undermines INEC's authority and technical competence
The Urgent Reform Agenda
Both INEC and IJAP are calling for comprehensive electoral reforms that would address the root causes of this problematic trend. The proposed reform agenda focuses on several critical areas:
- Strengthening Electoral Institutions: Enhancing INEC's capacity to conduct flawless elections that reflect the genuine choice of voters.
- Legal Framework Improvements: Amending the Electoral Act to reduce ambiguities and loopholes that fuel excessive litigation.
- Technology Integration: Leveraging technology to enhance transparency and reduce human error in the voting and collation processes.
- Stakeholder Education: Intensive voter education to ensure citizens understand their rights and responsibilities in the electoral process.
A Call to Action
The IJAP has positioned itself as a key stakeholder in advocating for these crucial reforms. The association recognizes that restoring faith in Nigeria's electoral system requires collective effort from all sectors of society - including political parties, civil society organizations, the judiciary, and the media.
'We cannot continue to build our democracy on courtroom judgments rather than the clear expression of the people's will through the ballot box,' the IJAP statement emphasized, echoing Professor Yakubu's concerns.
The Way Forward
As Nigeria continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, the call to end courtroom elections represents a pivotal moment in the nation's political evolution. The collaboration between electoral bodies like INEC and media associations like IJAP signals a growing consensus that meaningful change is not only necessary but urgent.
The coming months will be critical as stakeholders work together to implement reforms that ensure election outcomes are decided at polling units rather than courtrooms, ultimately strengthening Nigeria's democracy for generations to come.
