As Nigeria approaches another general election, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) once again finds itself under intense public scrutiny.
In a country where elections often shape not just leadership but national stability, the credibility of the electoral umpire is paramount. The question many Nigerians are asking is simple: has INEC truly learned from past experiences, and is it prepared to deliver elections that inspire confidence?
Nigeria’s electoral history offers both progress and painful lessons. The 2011 general elections, for instance, were widely regarded as an improvement over previous polls, particularly in terms of transparency and organisation. Yet, the post-election violence that erupted in parts of northern Nigeria, leaving hundreds dead and thousands displaced, revealed that credible voting alone is not enough; effective communication, dispute resolution, and security planning are equally vital.
The 2015 general elections marked a historic milestone when an incumbent president conceded defeat for the first time. That peaceful transfer of power boosted Nigeria’s democratic image globally. INEC’s introduction of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC) and card readers helped reduce multiple voting and electoral fraud. However, there were still reports of card reader malfunctions and logistical setbacks in several states, leading to delayed accreditation and extended voting hours.
By 2019, familiar challenges resurfaced. The last-minute postponement of the presidential and National Assembly elections, announced just hours before polls were to open, shook public trust and caused significant financial and emotional strain for voters and political parties alike. Although INEC cited logistical difficulties, many Nigerians questioned how such issues were not resolved earlier, given the years of preparation.
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The 2023 general elections further tested public confidence. The introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the promise of real-time electronic transmission of results raised expectations considerably. While BVAS helped reduce incidents of overvoting in many polling units, technical glitches and delays in uploading presidential election results to the INEC Results Viewing (IReV) portal sparked controversy and legal battles.
Opposition parties and civil society groups expressed concerns about inconsistencies between polling unit results and uploaded data. Although the Supreme Court ultimately upheld the presidential election outcome, doubts lingered in the minds of many citizens.
These examples highlight a recurring pattern: progress often accompanied by setbacks. Technology has improved transparency, but implementation gaps have undermined trust. Logistics have been strengthened, yet last-minute disruptions continue to haunt the process. Communication has expanded, but not always swiftly or clearly enough to calm public anxiety.
As the next general election approaches, INEC must move beyond assurances and demonstrate visible preparedness. Early distribution of materials, rigorous testing of technology, transparent stakeholder engagement, and proactive communication will be critical. Nigerians want to see contingency plans in place, not explanations after problems occur.
Equally important is institutional independence. Allegations of political interference, whether proven or not, weaken public faith. INEC must not only be impartial but must be seen to be impartial. Trust is built not just on outcomes, but on process.
Democracy thrives when citizens believe their votes count. Each election offers Nigeria another opportunity to strengthen that belief. INEC’s preparedness is therefore not merely administrative; it is foundational to national unity and democratic survival. The lessons of 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023 are clear. The time to act on them is now.
