Governor Charles Soludo has stressed the need to hold Independent National Electoral Commission officials accountable for their actions. He said those who violate electoral laws should be prosecuted and jailed to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process.

Mr Soludo stated this in a virtual message at the Athena Centre’s Review of INEC’s Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015–2025. The event was organised by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership with the theme, ‘A Balanced Assessment of Progress, Gaps and Opportunity’.

He noted that some collation officers had declared results in breach of INEC guidelines, making it wrong to protect such officials from prosecution.

“My idea is simple. During elections, you do not need to know any security agents or election officers. The political parties themselves must be eternally vigilant. We’ve made progress, but we can achieve much more and faster,” Mr Soludo said.

He commended INEC’s innovations but criticised a proposal to limit its power to review election results. The proposal seeks to restrict INEC’s review powers to cases where results were declared under duress only.

“I think that is where the problem lies. Why would INEC seek an amendment limiting its capacity to review results declared unlawfully?” said the Anambra governor.

Mr Soludo highlighted the need for transparency and accountability throughout the electoral process. He stressed the importance of gradual improvement and constant vigilance to ensure credible elections.

Also speaking, Rauf Aregbesola, national secretary of the African Democratic Congress, called for a new direction in Nigeria’s politics. He said a fresh approach was vital for building a democratic and prosperous nation. According to him, the current political system is flawed and needs to be reformed to ensure free and fair elections.

“We need an environment that allows visionary and honest individuals to contest and win elections,” he said.

Mr Aregbesola warned against corrupt party structures and political godfathers that discourage credible candidates.

“Nigeria is the hope of the black race. If this country fails, God forbid, it will be a huge setback for Africa,” he added.

He urged the judiciary to respect the will of the people and uphold the principles of merit, integrity, and transparency.

The chancellor of the Athena Centre, Osita Chidoka, said the judiciary remains the greatest obstacle to Nigeria’s electoral progress. Mr Chidoka lamented that, despite technological advancements, court rulings often undermine electoral reforms.

“The greatest challenge is the judiciary. They keep reversing the progress we have made through technology. Their job is to ensure compliance. Where there is none, the election should simply be redone,” he said.

Mr Chidoka called for judicial education on the electoral process and said the Athena Centre would host a forum to address this.

Responding, INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to credible elections in Nigeria. Mr Yakubu said the commission was dedicated to continuous reform.

“INEC is committed to using technology to improve elections and ensure integrity in the process,” he said.

Mr Yakubu acknowledged the challenges faced in past elections and assured that INEC was addressing them. He added that INEC values contributions from civil society, political parties, and the public in its reform efforts.

“By engaging with stakeholders and tackling these challenges, INEC aims to ensure that future elections are free, fair, and transparent,” he said.

(NAN)