If We Didn’t Want to Be Transparent, We Wouldn’t Have Gone Ahead to Invent IREV – Mr. Rotimi Lawrence Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman
Speaking on Electoral Reform Hour, Mr. Rotimi Lawrence Oyekanmi, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), defended the commission’s efforts to ensure transparency in Nigeria’s electoral processes. Responding to allegations of deliberate system failures during the 2023 general elections, Mr. Oyekanmi explained that the technical challenges faced by the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) were unforeseen. He stated, “If we didn’t want to be transparent, we wouldn’t have gone ahead to invent IREV,” emphasizing the commission’s commitment to accountability and credible elections.
Mr. Oyekanmi detailed how INEC’s reforms, including the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), have significantly improved the electoral process. “BVAS captures fingerprints and facial recognition. If your fingerprint doesn’t work, it will ask for your face. You can’t forget your face at home,” he noted, highlighting its success in ensuring voter accreditation. He acknowledged that while the system functioned efficiently for over 95% of voters, unforeseen challenges in handling large-scale uploads during the presidential election led to a public backlash.
In his remarks, he outlined INEC’s strategic plans from 2017 to 2026, which focus on engaging stakeholders and enhancing communication. According to him, regular consultations with political parties, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders have been pivotal in shaping policies. Despite accusations of overindulgence in stakeholder input, he emphasized the importance of inclusivity and openness in building trust.
On the issue of voter apathy, Mr. Oyekanmi attributed it to societal mistrust, logistical challenges, and politicians’ failure to deliver on campaign promises. He called for constitutional amendments to allow voters to cast their ballots anywhere in the country, stating that such reforms would address significant barriers to voter turnout.
He also addressed logistical challenges, including inadequate vehicles, marine transport, and security concerns in riverine areas. While INEC has signed agreements with transport unions to mitigate these issues, he admitted that lapses still occur. Efforts to expand access to polling units, such as increasing their number from 119,973 to 176,846, have helped to decongest voting areas and improve the electoral experience.
Mr. Oyekanmi advocated for integrating National Identification Numbers (NIN) into voter registration to simplify the process and called for increased penalties for vote buying to deter the practice. Describing vote buying as a threat to democracy, he stressed the need for an Electoral Offenses Commission to ensure accountability and curb impunity.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. Oyekanmi appealed to Nigerians to trust INEC’s commitment to credible elections. “The only interest we have is for votes to count. No amount of intimidation or influence will make INEC betray the people,” he declared, reaffirming the commission’s dedication to transparency and continuous improvement in Nigeria’s electoral system.
LISTEN TO THE FULL DISCUSSION HERE