Nigeria’s Democratic Woes: Electoral Commission Draws Fire
A scathing critique of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been leveled by Ladan Salihu, a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). Salihu, who appeared on Arise Television’s “The Morning Brief” program on Tuesday, described INEC as the primary obstacle to the country’s democratic progress.
According to Salihu, INEC has consistently demonstrated its unwillingness to adapt and reform, leaving Nigerians with a profound sense of disillusionment. He pointed to the similarities between the 2023 elections and the recent bye-election, warning that the same flaws in the system will likely resurface in 2027 if left unchecked.
“The democratic environment in Nigeria is on a downward spiral, and INEC is complicit in this decline,” Salihu stated. As the electoral umpire, INEC bears significant responsibility for ensuring the integrity of the electoral process. Salihu’s comments suggest that the commission has fallen short of this expectation.
Salihu also criticized the oft-repeated narrative that losers in elections can seek redress in court. He questioned the effectiveness of this approach, highlighting the challenges of navigating Nigeria’s judicial system. “Which court? In which democracy? In which country?” he asked rhetorically.
In light of these concerns, Salihu urged Nigerians to undertake a thorough analysis of what constitutes a free and fair election. He expressed skepticism about the prospects for transparency, given the current system. “With this contraption, I am not convinced that we have transparency upon ourselves,” he said.
Salihu’s remarks underscore the mounting frustration with Nigeria’s electoral process. As the country approaches future elections, the need for meaningful reform and increased transparency will only grow more pressing. Whether INEC will rise to this challenge remains to be seen. For now, critics like Salihu will continue to hold the commission to account, pushing for a more democratic and inclusive Nigeria.
