President focuses on upcoming regional polls
President Bola Tinubu has issued a direct challenge to the Independent National Electoral Commission to improve its performance.
He specifically pointed to the upcoming elections in the Federal Capital Territory, Kano, and Rivers states as a “litmus test” for the commission. The President wants these polls to be used as a tool to win back the “astronomical” loss of confidence among the Nigerian electorate.
He emphasized that the “unapproachable” nature of the electoral process in the past has led to widespread voter apathy. Nigerians want to see a system where their votes are counted and where technology actually works on the day of the election. The President believes that a successful outing in these strategic states will set a positive tone for the 2027 general elections.
Addressing the technical failures of previous polls
One of the biggest complaints from the 2023 elections was the failure of the result-viewing portals and the accreditation machines. President Tinubu has urged INEC to ensure that these “insensitive” technical glitches are a thing of the past. He wants the commission to “flesh out” a more robust plan that includes better training for ad-hoc staff and more reliable hardware.
The commission must also deal with the “bad eggs” within its ranks who have been accused of working for specific political interests. Transparency is not just a word; it is a practice that must be visible in every polling unit across the federation. If the people do not trust the umpire, then the “unapologetic” results will always be a source of conflict and legal battles.
Significance of Kano and Rivers in national politics
Kano and Rivers states are traditional “battlegrounds” that often determine the direction of national elections due to their high voter population. Any failure to conduct a free and fair poll in these areas could lead to a massive breakdown of law and order. The President’s call for a “clean” process in these states shows that he is aware of the “astronomical” stakes involved.
In the FCT, the Area Council elections are also crucial for the residents who want to see better representation at the grassroots level. By focusing on these regional polls, INEC has the opportunity to show that it has learned from its past mistakes. We cannot afford another “desperate” election where the results are shrouded in mystery and controversy.
Strengthening the democratic fabric of Nigeria
A credible electoral process is the only way to ensure that the “Renewed Hope” agenda is truly the choice of the people. President Tinubu noted that democracy thrives only when the citizens believe that their “unapproachable” voices can lead to change. He has promised to provide all the necessary “astronomical” funding to ensure that INEC has no excuse for failure.
As the dates for these elections approach, all eyes will be on the commission’s chairman and his team in Abuja. The public is tired of excuses; they want to see the IReV portal working and the results transmitted in real-time. Only then can we begin to talk about a “golden era” for Nigeria’s democratic journey.
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