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In a special edition of Electoral Reform Hour, hosted by Ezenwa Nwagwu, Executive Director of the Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA), listeners were given the opportunity to voice their concerns, ideas, and recommendations on Nigeria’s electoral system. The interactive session was a shift from the usual expert-driven discussions to a platform for citizens to contribute directly to the ongoing conversation about electoral reforms.

The program opened with a recap of significant past discussions. These included insights from Barrister Kemi Okenyodo on election security, highlighting the persistent issues of ballot box snatching and voter intimidation. She also called for better grassroots coordination and the inclusion of marginalized groups, such as inmates and Nigerians abroad, in the voting process. Similarly, Professor Adele Jinadu critiqued the erosion of ideological commitments in Nigerian politics, proposing consolidated elections as a means to increase voter turnout and reduce costs.

The phone lines buzzed with contributions from listeners across Nigeria, eager to share their thoughts on how to improve the nation’s electoral system.

Alhaji Bayinka from Niger State raised concerns about the unaffordable nomination fees imposed by political parties, making it difficult for ordinary Nigerians to participate in politics. He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that political parties reduce these fees to promote fairness and inclusivity.

Adam West from Suleja championed the adoption of electronic voting systems, emphasizing their potential to eliminate electoral malpractices such as ballot box snatching and vandalism. He urged INEC to utilize funds effectively to implement a secure and transparent electronic voting system.

Abubakar Musa commended the program and Radio Nigeria for their efforts in promoting public awareness but criticized political parties for lacking cohesion and strong ideologies. He noted that weak opposition parties fail to check the ruling government, thereby undermining democracy.

Mr. Felix from Karu Local Government, Nasarawa State, expressed frustration over political defection, where politicians frequently change parties for personal gain. He argued that political parties should remain steadfast in their ideologies, as strong opposition is essential for a thriving democracy.

Williams from Zuba, FCT Abuja, advocated for simultaneous elections for presidential, legislative, and gubernatorial offices. He argued that holding elections on different days influences subsequent outcomes, often tilting them in favor of the ruling party, and called for a unified voting day to ensure credibility.

Chinonso from Bida drew inspiration from Ghana’s electoral system, recommending the inclusion of independent candidacy in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of moving beyond social media activism and urged citizens to actively participate in elections by voting.

Mr Sunday from Benue State proposed that elected officials seeking re-election should resign their current positions before contesting. He argued that this would level the playing field and reduce the monetization of elections.

Dr. Bibi Usman from Bida decried vote-buying and political cross-carpeting, urging reforms to penalize these practices. He emphasized the importance of political integrity and the need for leaders to focus on service rather than personal gain.

Throughout the program, callers consistently emphasized the need for reforms that would promote transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Suggestions included adopting electronic voting systems, legalizing independent candidacy, conducting all elections on the same day, and reducing nomination fees to allow wider participation.

The interactive nature of this edition of Electoral Reform Hour highlighted the value of citizens’ engagement in shaping the democratic process. Listeners’ contributions provided actionable insights into the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system and the reforms necessary to address them. These voices underscored the collective desire for a fairer, more transparent, and more inclusive electoral process that aligns with democratic ideals.