The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticized comments made by the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Joash Amupitan, regarding the reliability of technology in ensuring credible elections. The comments, made at the Annual National Stakeholders’ Forum on Elections in Abuja, sparked concern among the party, which described them as “careless, unguarded, and unfortunate.”
According to reports, Prof. Amupitan expressed doubts about the ability of technological innovations to guarantee free, fair, and credible elections in Nigeria. The Osun PDP, in a statement signed by its state chairman, Sunday Bisi, warned that such remarks could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and create fear among Nigerians and the international community ahead of forthcoming elections.
The party emphasized that electoral credibility is central to democracy and that the Electoral Act 2022 provides a legal framework for the deployment of technology, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). The PDP chairman stressed that technology is critical to addressing challenges that have characterized previous elections in Nigeria and urged the INEC chairman to allay the fears generated by the statement and tender an apology.
The Osun PDP views the comments as potentially preparatory for rigging in the coming elections, which would be unacceptable to Nigerians and democracy lovers worldwide. The party called on the INEC chairman to withdraw the comments and ensure that all technological devices deployed for elections function effectively. By emphasizing the importance of technology in ensuring credible elections, the PDP aims to reinforce the need for reliable and transparent electoral processes in Nigeria.
The controversy surrounding the INEC chairman’s comments comes at a time when Nigeria is preparing for upcoming elections, and the electoral body is under scrutiny to deliver free, fair, and credible polls. The Osun PDP’s criticism highlights the need for the INEC to reassure the public of its commitment to using technology to enhance the electoral process and maintain the integrity of the elections. As the electoral landscape in Nigeria continues to evolve, the role of technology in ensuring credible elections remains a critical issue that requires careful consideration and attention from all stakeholders.