The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned remarks made by INEC Chairman Prof. Joash Amupitan about the reliability of technology in guaranteeing credible elections. Speaking at the Annual National Stakeholders’ Forum on Elections in Abuja, Prof. Amupitan expressed doubts that technological innovations could ensure free, fair, and credible polls in Nigeria. The party described the comments as “careless, unguarded, and unfortunate,” warning that they could erode public confidence and create fear among Nigerians and the international community ahead of upcoming elections.
In a statement signed by state chairman Sunday Bisi, the Osun PDP emphasized that electoral credibility is fundamental to democracy and that the Electoral Act 2022 already provides a legal framework for deploying technology, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). The party stressed that technology is essential for addressing the challenges that have plagued previous elections and urged the INEC chairman to allay the fears generated by his statement and issue an apology.
The Osun PDP views Prof. Amupitan’s remarks as potentially paving the way for rigging in the forthcoming elections—an outcome unacceptable to Nigerians and democracy advocates worldwide. Accordingly, the party called on the INEC chairman to withdraw his comments and ensure that all technological devices used in the elections function effectively.
By highlighting the importance of technology in delivering credible elections, the PDP seeks to reinforce the need for reliable and transparent electoral processes in Nigeria. The controversy arises as the country prepares for upcoming polls, placing the electoral body under intense scrutiny to deliver free, fair, and credible outcomes. The Osun PDP’s criticism underscores the necessity for INEC to reassure the public of its commitment to using technology to strengthen the electoral process and safeguard the integrity of the elections.
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