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In a compelling discussion on electoral reforms,  Itia Otabor, Director of the African Center for Leadership Strategy and Development (Center LSD), shed light on critical shifts in Nigeria’s electoral process and the urgent need for sustainable voter education and electoral transparency.

Speaking on Electoral Reforms Half Hour,  Otabor traced Nigeria’s electoral evolution from 1999 to the critical  2023 elections. According to him, the increased adoption of technology, particularly the introduction of the Electoral Act 2022, was a turning point. This shift, he noted, spurred voter enthusiasm, particularly among the youth, who anticipated greater alignment between their votes and actual election outcomes.

However, the discourse revealed significant challenges. Fake news and misinformation were highlighted as major issues that undermined the credibility of the electoral process. The misinterpretation of technological innovations like BVAS and IREV fueled widespread discontent, with conflicting narratives from INEC, political parties, and the electorate.  Otabor emphasized the need for continuous voter education to counter misinformation, stressing that voter education should not be a last-minute effort but a long-term strategy aimed at behavioral change.

Another pressing issue raised was the influence of money in elections.  Otabor noted that financial inducements, particularly vote-buying, continue to plague Nigeria’s democratic process. He called for a systemic and strategic approach to tackling this problem, arguing that without addressing poverty and shifting voter perception, money will continue to play an outsized role in election outcomes.

Addressing electoral litigation, he pointed out that Nigeria’s judiciary has increasingly been seen as determining election results rather than the electorate. He urged political parties to strengthen their internal mechanisms to reduce the volume of court cases and avoid overburdening the judicial system.

On the contentious issue of diaspora voting, Otabor acknowledged its legitimacy but expressed skepticism about Nigeria’s readiness to implement it effectively. While conversations around expanding voter inclusivity, including voting rights for inmates and security personnel are gaining traction, he advocated starting with “low-hanging fruits” such as facilitating on-site voting for election workers before considering more complex arrangements like diaspora participation.

To enhance electoral credibility, Otabor proposed three critical reforms: ensuring greater independence for INEC, encouraging political parties to function more transparently and democratically, and prioritizing early and continuous voter engagement.

As Nigeria moves toward future elections, the discussion underscored the need for sustained reforms, stronger institutions, and a commitment to democratic principles to ensure credible, free, and fair elections.

LISTEN TO THE FULL DISCUSSION HERE