“One-Day Elections Not Feasible Yet” — Friday Odeh Urges Strategic, People-Centered Electoral Reforms
Mr Friday Odeh, Country Director of Accountability Lab Nigeria, has expressed strong reservations about the feasibility of holding all elections in Nigeria on a single day. Speaking on Electoral Reforms Half Hour, Odeh emphasized that while the idea may appear cost-effective on paper, current infrastructural, logistical, and trust-related challenges make it unrealistic and potentially disenfranchising.
“The idea of a one-day election is a strong no for me,” Odeh said, citing issues such as the late delivery of materials, inconsistent voter access, and the pressure such consolidation would place on INEC and security agencies. He noted that while a single-day vote could reduce costs in some areas, it could raise others, particularly in technology, security, and transportation.
Drawing from his organization’s work, Odeh spoke about Voice to Rep, an Accountability Lab campaign that leverages creative youth engagement and the influence of popular culture to improve civic education and voter turnout. He highlighted how even high-profile entertainers have shifted from paid political endorsement to genuine advocacy following the initiative.
Odeh also stressed the importance of meeting citizens where they are, geographically and socially by demystifying election-related information through grassroots-level communication. “It’s not just about voter education jingles; it’s about rebuilding trust,” he said. He called for more inclusive practices, including provisions for early voting for security personnel, ad-hoc staff, and journalists who are often disenfranchised due to election-day duties.
On the growing threat of misinformation and deepfakes, Odeh praised INEC’s establishment of an AI-focused department but warned that fact-checking must become a shared national responsibility. “If you see something, say something, but also verify before you share,” he urged.
In conclusion, Odeh maintained that Nigeria’s election system can be improved, but reforms must be grounded in reality and executed with transparency, accessibility, and voter trust at the center.
LISTEN TO THE FULL DISCUSSION HERE