Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, warned that both politicians and voters pose the greatest threats to the success of the February 25 and March 11 general elections. He explained that politicians view electoral contests as a “do‑or‑die” affair, determined to win at any cost, while many registered voters make little effort to actually cast their ballots. Jega, a former President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, made these remarks during a keynote address at a one‑day public sensitisation event titled “Towards a free, fair, and credible 2023 general elections,” organised by the Abuja National Mosque Da’awah and Welfare Foundation.
According to Jega, the most worrisome challenges stem from the attitudes of the political class—politicians, party bureaucrats, and aristocrats—and the electorate’s engagement with the process. He noted that since 1999, there has been little improvement in how political actors participate in elections; their mindset remains focused on achieving victory by any means necessary, and their impunity has allowed criminal and fraudulent behaviours to increase, posing a major threat to the 2023 polls.
Jega also highlighted the electorate’s apathy as a serious concern. Even when citizens register, voter turnout continues to decline in both general and off‑season elections. He attributed this to a “crisis of rising expectations,” inadequate sensitisation, and insufficient political and voter education. Emphasising the need for continuous public enlightenment throughout the four‑year electoral cycle—especially in a country with large illiterate populations—Jega stressed that registration alone is insufficient; voters must understand how to vote effectively and avoid wasting their votes.
Former Daily Trust editor Hajiya Aisha Umar Kabiru‑Yusuf, speaking on “The role of the media in ensuring violence‑free elections,” reiterated that the media constitutes the fourth estate, alongside the executive, legislature, and judiciary. She likened a democratic system without a free press to a three‑legged table—unstable and dysfunctional. Kabiru‑Yusuf called on journalists to report election‑related issues objectively, enabling offenders to be punished and encouraging citizens to act responsibly.
Dr. Muhammad Adam, chairman of the Abuja National Mosque Da’awah and Welfare Foundation, added that ensuring the credibility of the upcoming general elections is the responsibility of all Nigerians.
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