Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Attahiru Jega, voiced concern over politicians’ attitudes and mindsets, particularly their use of religion and ethnicity for personal gain. Speaking in Abuja at a two‑day roundtable organized by the Nigerian Political Science Association—titled “Attaining Electoral Integrity in 2023 General Elections: Pointers to Policy”—Jega said he trusted INEC to manage the election but feared the conduct of politicians. The event took place on Thursday and Friday.
“My main concern is not what INEC can do to manage the election,” Jega explained, “but the attitude and mindset of politicians, evident in the mobilisation of identity, religion, ethnicity, recklessness and manipulation of issues ranging from the judiciary to insecurity.” He added that there has been no remarkable improvement in politicians’ disposition; their focus remains on winning elections, exploiting infrastructure deficiencies, adopting authoritarian tactics, and achieving victory by any means necessary.
Jega emphasized that many factors affect the integrity of a country’s elections, highlighting the critical roles of the election management body, security agencies, and political parties. Ibrahim Salihu, president of the association, echoed the need to address the trust deficit between the government and citizens in order to achieve progress.
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