A Baze University professor of communications has identified a persistent lack of transparency as the core reason Nigeria’s elections are routinely contested, undermining the nation’s democratic consolidation. Abiodun Adeniyi made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s ‘Prime Time’ program.
Speaking on the 26-year span of Nigeria’s uninterrupted democracy, Adeniyi stated that election-related disputes represent the “bane of our democracy.” He argued that the frequent vociferous contestation stems directly from processes perceived as neither free nor fair nor credible. “It is disputed because there is no transparency,” he said, noting that citizens often observe deviations from expected standards.
To address this systemic issue and strengthen democratic integrity, Adeniyi advocated for the deliberate integration of technology into electoral processes. He contended that technological systems can enhance openness and credibility, thereby reducing avenues for dispute. His comments followed recent confusion arising from a Senate communication that was initially perceived as problematic, later attributed to semantic errors or miscommunication. This incident, he noted, exemplifies how opacity fuels public concern.
Adeniyi emphasized that improving election transparency is a collective responsibility essential for democratic growth. Without credible elections, he warned, the foundational legitimacy of Nigeria’s democratic system remains at risk, perpetuating cycles of distrust and legal challenges that divert national attention from developmental goals. His analysis underscores a critical need for electoral reform focused on verifiable, tech-enhanced procedures to foster public confidence in future voting cycles.
