“I do not believe an Electoral Act should be amended during the first five years”-Dr. Ayokunle Fagbemi
Kicking off the first edition of Electoral Reform Hour for the year, Dr. Ayokunle Fagbemi, Executive Director of the Center for Peacebuilding and Socio-Economic Resource Development (CESPA), delivered a compelling analysis of Nigeria’s electoral landscape. With the weight of decades of experience, Dr. Fagbemi charted a bold course for addressing the nation’s electoral challenges, calling for stronger accountability from stakeholders and a commitment to maximizing the potential of existing legal frameworks. Hosted by the Executive Director, PAAC Ezenwa Nwagwu with support MacArthur Foundation, the program set an energetic tone for critical dialogue on democracy in 2025.
Dr. Fagbemi stressed the importance of stability in Nigeria’s electoral laws, advocating against frequent amendments to the Electoral Act. “I do not believe an electoral act should be amended during the first five years,” he stated, emphasizing that proper implementation of the current laws could resolve many of the challenges faced during elections. He argued that consistent changes undermine trust in the system and called for a measured approach that allows time to assess the effectiveness of existing legislation.
Highlighting the role of political parties, Dr. Fagbemi criticized their lack of engagement in civic education and voter mobilization. He urged them to deploy party agents effectively and take greater responsibility in monitoring elections. “If political parties played their roles effectively, challenges such as poor election monitoring and coalition irregularities would be significantly reduced,” he noted.
The discussion also shed light on voter apathy, which Dr. Fagbemi attributed to disenfranchisement, strategic distractions, and the weaponization of poverty. He pointed to the exclusion of security personnel and public servants on election duty as a major issue, suggesting reforms such as early voting for these groups to ensure their participation. “We must address these systemic distractions that discourage voter turnout,” he emphasized.
On election security, Dr. Fagbemi called for greater professionalism and enforcement of existing laws by security agencies. He argued that Nigeria already has sufficient legal and policy frameworks to address electoral violence and malpractice but lamented their poor implementation. “If we activate even 10% of the existing legal frameworks, many issues will be resolved,” he asserted.
Dr. Fagbemi also underscored the inefficiency of statutory institutions like the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in educating the public about their civic responsibilities. He criticized the agency’s underperformance despite having the resources to drive meaningful campaigns. “The NOA needs to step up and use its resources effectively to inform Nigerians about their rights and responsibilities,” he said.
The program addressed the importance of transparency in the funding and operations of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Dr. Fagbemi urged public officers to communicate openly about challenges, such as delays in fund releases, to build trust with stakeholders.
As Nigeria gears up for future elections, Dr. Fagbemi’s insights provide a blueprint for strengthening democratic processes. His call for collaboration among stakeholders, a focus on voter education, and adherence to existing laws serves as a rallying cry for a more credible and inclusive electoral system.