Dr. Otive Igbuzor Reveals Citizens’ Key Concerns on ‘‘Electoral Reform Hour’’

Posted by Grace Abuh
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In a recent enlightening discussion, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Executive Director of the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy, and Development (Centre LSD), shared his extensive insights into the current state of electoral reforms in Nigeria. Drawing from his rich experience, including his tenure as the Chief of Staff to the former Deputy Senate President and his role as International Head of Campaigns for ActionAid International, Dr. Igbuzor provided a detailed breakdown of how electoral laws are amended and the challenges faced in the process.

Understanding the Legislative Process

Dr. Igbuzor began by explaining the legislative process for amending electoral laws. He highlighted that the government is divided into three arms: the legislative, executive, and judiciary. The legislative arm is responsible for making laws, the executive implements them, and the judiciary interprets them. In Nigeria, laws can be proposed by either members of the legislature or the executive arm. A bill undergoes several readings and must be approved by both houses of the federal legislature before it is sent to the president for assent. If the president withholds assent, the legislature can override the decision with a two-thirds majority.

The Challenge of Holding Elections on the Same Day

When asked about the proposal to hold all elections on the same day, Dr. Igbuzor acknowledged the potential benefits, such as reducing the logistical burden and costs associated with multiple election days. He stated, “Holding all elections on a single day could streamline the process and reduce costs, but the feasibility is uncertain given Nigeria’s complex electoral landscape.” He pointed out that while holding all elections on a single day could streamline the process, the logistical challenges, including managing multiple ballot papers and ensuring the readiness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), present significant hurdles.

Logistical and Manpower Challenges

Dr. Igbuzor emphasized the importance of improving logistics and planning to address these challenges. He noted that “while it might be possible to conduct elections on a single day, the process would require meticulous planning and resources.” The current state of logistics and manpower, including issues with security and ad hoc staff, needs to be addressed to ensure smooth operations. Dr. Igbuzor stressed that “every stakeholder, not just INEC, has a role in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.”

Citizens’ Expectations: Credibility and Transparency

The discussion also touched upon the key concerns of ordinary citizens regarding elections. Dr. Igbuzor identified credibility as a major issue, stating, “The greatest concern of citizens remains the transparency and credibility of the electoral process.” He emphasized that ensuring transparency and trust in the electoral process remains a top priority for citizens. Despite various reforms, including the introduction of Permanent Voter Cards, Smart Card Readers, BVAS, and IREV, challenges persist in maintaining the credibility of election results, particularly at the coalition centers.

Improving INEC’s Autonomy

Addressing the issue of INEC’s autonomy, Dr. Igbuzor proposed several measures to enhance its independence. He suggested that “the appointment process for INEC officials should involve a more transparent and independent selection process, possibly involving independent commissions rather than direct appointments by the president or governors.” Additionally, he highlighted the need for “direct funding from the consolidated revenue fund and adherence to regulations for the appointment of ad hoc staff and other operational procedures.”

LISTEN TO THE FULL DISCUSSION HERE