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The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) has launched an impactful radio program, “Electoral Reform Hour,” dedicated to igniting conversations and championing meaningful electoral reforms in Nigeria. 

The Peering Advocacy and Advancement Centre in Africa (PAACA) works to promote and strengthen citizens’ engagement with government institutions. Principally, PAACA programs are targeted at increasing social accountability movement, Youth and Gender inclusiveness, support and promoting electoral reforms, legislative engagement, and advancing anti-corruption campaigns.

Supported by the MacArthur Foundation, this engaging program airs weekly on Radio Nigeria FRCN and comes as a response to growing calls for meaningful conversations for crucial reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral processes.

Hosted by Ezenwa Nwagwu, Executive Director of PAACA, the radio program, since its inception, The “Electoral Reform Hour” has emerged as a pivotal platform for engaging citizens in meaningful discussions about the electoral process and advocating for reforms that enhance transparency and accountability.

Airing every Sunday from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM, “Electoral Reform Hour” strives to demystify the complexities of Nigeria’s electoral system and deepen listeners’ understanding of their democratic rights. 

Each episode features a remarkable lineup of esteemed guests—including electoral officials, lawmakers, researchers, and civil society leaders—who share their invaluable insights and experiences on electoral integrity and reform.

Since the first episode, the program has welcomed a variety of distinguished guests. Notable contributors have included Haruna Mohammed, a National Commissioner of INEC; Honorable Francis Waive, a member of the House of Representatives; and Dr. Sam Oguche, a seasoned researcher in electoral processes. 

The program has also featured Hajiyah Saudatu Mahdi MFR, Secretary General of WRAPA; Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director of CTA; Alhaji Hussain Pai, former Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC; Dr. Otive Igbuzor, Founding Executive Director of the African Center for Leadership, Strategy, and Development; Barr. Festus Okoye, former National Commissioner for INEC; and Professor Sam Egwu. 

The highlights from the discussions have not only exposed challenges facing the electoral system but also showcase successful initiatives and strategies that can be adopted to ensure fair elections in Nigeria.

Cautious Approach to Electoral Reforms: Insights from INEC Commissioner

In the inaugural episode, INEC Commissioner Mohammed Haruna emphasized the need for a cautious approach to amending electoral laws. He pointed out that the behavior of political actors significantly influences the success of electoral reforms, stating, “We need to be cautious about rushing into electoral reforms without thorough evaluation.” Haruna highlighted the frequent changes to electoral laws and the importance of testing and evaluating reforms before further modifications are made.

Discussing the proposed amendment to conduct all major elections on a single day, Haruna noted the logistical challenges that could arise. He commented, “If we conduct all these elections in one day, there will be logistical problems. We should be cautious about the practicality of such changes.” Haruna also addressed the need for transparency in party primaries and robust voter accreditation processes, advocating for automatic disqualification for voting if accreditation is not completed.

Understanding Legislative Processes in Electoral Reforms

Dr. Samuel Oguche from the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) provided listeners with a comprehensive breakdown of the legislative and judicial processes involved in Nigeria’s electoral reforms. He explained that the journey of a bill begins with its introduction in the National Assembly, undergoing multiple readings before being examined by relevant committees.

Dr. Oguche highlighted key bills currently in the National Assembly, including one sponsored by Honorable Francis Waive, which mandates voter re-registration every ten years. This reform aims to ensure an up-to-date voter register and includes provisions for electronic accreditation and result transmission to enhance electoral transparency.

Advocating for Unified Elections: Honorable Francis Waive’s Perspective

In a compelling discussion, Honorable Francis Waive advocated for synchronizing all elections—presidential, senatorial, and state levels—to be held on the same day. He argued that this approach would significantly reduce costs and logistical challenges while minimizing the “bandwagon effect” associated with staggered elections. “Conducting all elections on the same day would save at least 50% of the total cost and improve logistical efficiency,” he stated.

Waive also emphasized the need for a periodic overhaul of the voters’ register, proposing a fresh registration every ten years to ensure accuracy. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) during the 2023 elections and called for amendments to enforce technological provisions, stating, “By making these technological provisions part of the Electoral Act, we can enforce rules like ‘No accreditation, no voting,’ ensuring greater adherence and transparency.”

Navigating Challenges: Alhaji Hussain Pai and Ms. Faith Nwadishi’s Insights

In subsequent episodes, Alhaji Hussain Pai, a former Resident Electoral Commissioner, and Ms. Faith Nwadishi, Executive Director of the Centre for Transparency Advocacy, addressed critical issues in Nigeria’s electoral system. Alhaji Pai highlighted the need for reforms in the transmission of results, pointing out that discrepancies in electronically transmitted results were a major concern during the 2023 elections. He stressed the importance of training for those handling electronic devices and legal reforms to empower INEC to update voter registers effectively.

Ms. Nwadishi underscored the need for reforms across the entire electoral value chain, particularly in the internal democracy of political parties. She emphasized the significance of security agents’ roles during elections and the necessity for citizens to hold elected officials’ accountable post-election. Both speakers agreed on the importance of voter education and active participation in the electoral process.

These vibrant discussions not only illuminate the challenges facing the electoral system but also showcase successful initiatives and strategies that can be adopted to ensure fair elections in Nigeria.

With the ongoing momentum for electoral reform, Upcoming episodes promise to delve deeper into critical issues such as diaspora voting, voter education, and the role of technology in modernizing the electoral process. 

As the program continues to evolve, Ezenwa Nwagwu says the PAACA team remains committed to creating an inclusive dialogue that reflects the diverse voices of Nigerians.