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OPINION: Urgent Electoral Reform Priorities for Nigeria Ahead of the 2027 Elections

Published

1 year ago

January 30, 2025

Editor

As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, several key reforms have been recommended to improve the electoral process and address issues that have historically affected the country’s democracy. It is crucial to focus on the efforts of various stakeholders and the National Assembly to facilitate further amendments to the Electoral Act 2022. These amendments should incorporate lessons learned from previous elections, particularly regarding the use of technology in the electoral process, that are expected to enhance the electoral system’s efficiency and transparency.

One significant area of focus is enhancing provisions related to the electronic transmission of results, which could bolster public confidence by providing real-time and accurate outcomes. Enhancing provisions for the electronic transmission of results presents several considerable benefits to Nigeria’s electoral process. It would improve transparency by offering real-time updates and minimise the risk of manual errors or results manipulation during collation, as observed in recent elections like the Edo off-cycle governorship election. Integrating electronic transmission will expedite the announcement of results and reduce delays that often exacerbate tensions. Furthermore, electronic transmission would reinforce public confidence by ensuring accuracy and deterring fraud. It can be argued that the electronic transmission of results also aids evidence-based dispute resolution by creating verifiable digital records necessary for the transparent and efficient resolution of electoral disputes. As we advocate for these progressive reforms, it is equally crucial that these modifications to the electoral legal framework are completed swiftly to allow for testing these provisions in upcoming off-cycle elections before the general elections in 2027.

As the commission continues to deepen the use of technology in our elections, it is essential to prioritize the improvement of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and other technological innovations for voter accreditation and results management. This includes supporting the commission’s recommendation to move away from using Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for voter identification. Introducing biometric systems, such as the BVAS, enables voter verification without the need for physical cards. Since the BVAS stores records of voters’ biometrics, implementing biometric identification could streamline the accreditation and voting processes while also reducing costs associated with printing physical cards. Eliminating the need for PVCs could significantly decrease the financial burden of producing and distributing these cards, which is particularly relevant in Nigeria given the country’s economic challenges. Additionally, relying on biometric verification could minimize the risk of voter impersonation and manipulation, ensuring that only eligible voters can cast their ballots. This initiative will enhance transparency and address past concerns regarding the reliability of voter identification.

Many proposals have been made to promote the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and shield it from political interference. It is crucial to reassess the processes for appointing the INEC chairman and commissioners. Previous suggestions have highlighted the need for constitutional amendments to transfer these responsibilities from the president to an independent body. The Justice Uwais committee report recommended that the responsibility be handed over to the National Judicial Council (NJC), while others have proposed transferring it to the Council of State.

I recommend establishing an independent, autonomous committee that includes representatives from the judiciary, civil society, academia, and electoral experts to oversee the selection of INEC officials. This committee would ensure that the selection process is free from political influence and interference, thereby enhancing the credibility and impartiality of INEC. The committee would evaluate and select candidates based on their qualifications and experience, subjecting the nominees to public scrutiny to ensure that the most competent individuals are chosen to lead the electoral commission.

In countries like South Africa, the process for selecting members of the electoral commission involves a parliamentary committee that ensures broad representation and public participation. This approach enhances the credibility of the selection process. In Ghana, an independent body supervises the selection process to maintain the commission’s independence from political interference. To reflect these global practices, a proposed committee could include representatives from the judiciary, civil society, academia, and electoral experts. This inclusion would ensure that the selection of commission members is based on merit and free from undue influence. Such an approach would not only boost public confidence in the electoral system but also ensure that INEC officials are chosen for their expertise and commitment to democratic principles. Implementing this model would enhance Nigeria’s electoral credibility and align its processes with international standards for democratic governance.

Election stakeholders should also continue implementing expansive voter education initiatives throughout the electoral cycle. These initiatives should target underserved communities, mainly the youth, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs). They should also build partnerships with civil society organisations to promote understanding and participation in the electoral process. These initiatives could include workshops, seminars, and community outreach programs that provide information on the electoral process, voter rights, and the importance of political participation.

Political parties must adapt their campaign methods to promote transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in order to ensure broader outreach and engagement. They should move away from traditional practices that rely solely on voter inducements, rhetoric, and other coercive tactics, which have often been associated with violence and personal attacks. In Nigeria, political parties have yet to adopt open and transparent fundraising practices. By publicly disclosing their funding sources and expenditures, they can demonstrate accountability and reduce perceptions of corruption.

I fully support various initiatives to increase women’s political participation and representation in governance, such as implementing quota systems. Political parties and the government must intentionally develop strategies encouraging women to emerge as political leaders. This involves creating an enabling environment that fosters participation and promotes women as key candidates in the 2027 general elections. As we prepare for the upcoming election campaigns, political parties must enhance policies that specifically target increasing political participation among youth and persons with disabilities (PWDs). These policies should include lowering nomination fees for candidates from these groups and expanding outreach initiatives to facilitate their involvement.

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Xenophobic Attacks: Oshiomhole Tells FG To Retaliate Against South African Companies In Nigeria

Published

1 hour ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Senator Adams Oshiomhole has called on the Federal Government to retaliate against South African businesses operating in Nigeria following the recent attacks on Nigerians in South Africa.

Speaking during plenary on Tuesday, Oshiomhole said the Federal Government should consider revoking the working license of South African owned companies such as MTN and DSTV.

He argued that Nigeria must respond firmly to what he described as persistent hostility against its citizens.

“I am not going to shed tears. If you hit me, I hit you. I think it is appropriate in diplomacy. It is an economic struggle,” Oshiomhole said.

He argued that while some South Africans accuse Nigerians of taking their jobs, Nigerians should return home and take over employment opportunities created by major South African companies operating in the country, including MTN and DSTV.

“When we hit back, the President of South Africa will not only talk but will also go on his knees to recognise that Nigeria cannot be intimidated.

“We will not condone any life being lost. If a crime has been committed under the South African law they have the right to bring any such person to justice, but to kill our people as if we are helpless, we will not allow that,” Oshiomhole added.

DAILY POST reports that several Nigerians in South Africa have reportedly been attacked, and their businesses destroyed, in ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

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IGP Orders Officers Display Name Tag On Uniform, Gives Update On State Police

Published

2 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Tunji Disu, has ordered all police personnel to always have their name tags on their uniforms for easy identification.

Disu disclosed that only police personnel who are undercover are exempted from displaying their name tags.

Speaking on Tuesday, Disu said: “All police officers should have their name tags. All of us on the high table have our names apart from the undercover among us so if you look at all the Commissioners of Police we have our name tags, so it’s not our standard.

News

Court Orders SERAP To Pay DSS Operatives N100m For Defamation

Published

7 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory has ordered a non-governmental organization, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, to pay N100 million as damaged to two operatives of the Department of the State Services, DSS, for unjustly defaming them in some publications.

The court also ordered SERAP to tender public apologies to the defamed officers,
Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele, in two national newspapers, two television stations and its website.

Besides, the organization was also ordered to pay the two operatives N1 million as cost of litigation and 10 percent post-judgment interest annually on the judgment sum until it’s fully liquidated.

Justice Yusuf Halilu of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory gave the order on Tuesday while delivering judgment in a N5.5 billion defamation suit instituted against SERAP by the DSS operatives.

The judge found SERAP liable for unjustly defaming the two DSS operatives with allegations that they unlawfully invaded its Abuja office, harassed and intimidated its staff, in September 2024.

In the offending publication on its website and Twitter handle, SERAP alleged that the two operatives unlawfully invaded and occupied its office with sinister motives.

The judge held that the publication was in bad taste especially from an organization established to promote transparency and accountability, as nothing in the publication was found to be truthful.

The DSS staff had listed SERAP as 1st defendant in the suit marked CV/4547/2024. SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, was listed as the 2nd defendant.

In the suit, the claimants – Sarah John and Gabriel Ogundele – accused the two defendants of making false claims that they invaded SERAP’s Abuja office on September 9, 2024..

Counsel to the DSS, Oluwagbemileke Samuel Kehinde, had while adopting his final address in the mater urged the judge to grant all the reliefs sought by his client in the interest of justice.

He admitted that although the names of the two claimants were not mentioned in the defamation materials, they had however established substantial circumstances that they are the ones referred to in the published defamation article by SERAP on its website.

The counsel submitted that all ingredients of defamation have been clearly established and the offending publication referred to the two officials of the secret police.

However, SERAP, through its counsel, Victoria Bassey from Tayo Oyetibo, SAN, law firm, asked the court to dismiss the suit on the ground that the two claimants did not establish that they were the ones referred to in the alleged defamation materials.

She said that SERAP used “DSS officials” in the alleged offending publication, adding that the two claimants must establish that they are the ones referred to before their case can succeed.

Similar arguments were canvassed by Oluwatosin Adefioye who stood for the second defendant, adding that there was no dispute in the September 9, 2024 operation of DSS in SERAP’s office.

He said that since SERAP in the publication did not name any particular person, the claimants must plead special circumstances that they were the ones referred to as the DSS officials.

Besides, he said that there is no organization by name Department of State Services in law, hence, DSS cannot claim being defamed adding that the only entity known to law is National Security Agency.

The claimants had in the suit stated that the alleged false claim by SERAP has negatively impacted on their reputation.

The DSS also stated, in the statement of claim, that, in line with the agency’s practice of engaging with officials of non-governmental organisations operating in the FCT to establish a relationship with their new leadership, it directed the two officials – John and Ogunleye – to visit SERAP’s office and invite them for a familiarization meeting.

The claimants added that in carrying out the directive, John and Ogunleye paid a friendly visit to SERAP’s office at 18 Bamako Street, Wuse Zone 1, Abuja on September 9 and met with one Ruth, who upon being informed about the purpose of the visit, claimed that none of SERAP’s management staff was in the country and advised that a formal letter of invitation be written by the DSS.

John and Ogundele, who claimed that their interactions with Ruth were recorded, said before they immediately exited SERAP’s office, Ruth promised to inform her organisation’s management about the visit and volunteered a phone number – 08160537202.

They said it was surprising that, shortly after their visit, SERAP posted on its X (Twitter) handle – @SERAPNigeria – that officers of the DSS are presently unlawfully occupying its office.

The claimant added, “On the same day, the defendants also published a statement on SERAP’s website, which was widely reported by several media outfits, falsely alleging that some officers from the DSS, described as “a tall, large, dark-skinned woman” and “a slim, dark skinned man,” invaded their Abuja office and interrogated the staff of the first defendant (SERAP).

John and Ogundele stated that “due to the false statements published by the defendants, the DSS has been ridiculed and criticised by international agencies such as the Amnesty International and prominent members of the Nigerian society, such as Femi Falana (SAN)”.

“Due to the false statements published by the defendants, members of the public and the international community formed the opinion that the Federal Government is using the DSS to harass the defendants.”

They added that the defendants’ statements caused harm to their reputation because the staff and management of the DSS have formed the opinion that the claimants did not follow orders and carried out an unsanctioned operation and are therefore, incompetent and unprofessional.

The claimants therefore prayed the court for the following reliefs: “An order directing the defendants to tender an apology to the claimants via the first defendant’s (SERAP’s) website, X (twitter) handle, two national daily newspapers (Punch and Vanguard) and two national news television stations (Arise Television and Channels Television) for falsely accusing the claimants of unlawfully invading the first defendant’s office and interrogating the first defendant’s staff.

“An order directing the defendants to pay the claimants the sum of N5 billion as damages for the libellous statements published about the claimants.

“Interest on the sum of N5b at the rate of 10 percent per annum from the date of judgment until the judgment sum is realised or liquidated.

“An order directing the defendants to pay the claimants the sum of N50 million as costs of this action.”