Governors and former ministers have called on the Federal Government to reform INEC before the 2027 elections to restore public trust and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy during a high-level forum in Abuja.
Prominent political leaders have called on the Federal Government to undertake urgent reforms of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, stressing that credible polls are essential to restoring public trust and strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
The call was made on Monday in Abuja during a high-level panel discussion organised by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, themed “Innovation in Electoral Technology 2015–2025: Gains, Gaps, and the Road Ahead.”
The event also marked the launch of the Athena Election Observatory, an initiative designed to monitor and document electoral reforms, innovations, and governance trends in Nigeria and across Africa.
Leaders Advocate for Institutional Integrity
Among the panellists were Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; and former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, who also serves as the Chancellor of the Athena Centre.
Speaking at the forum, Prof. Soludo emphasised that credible elections are a reflection of institutional integrity and governance quality, urging reforms that would deepen public confidence and institutional independence.
He noted that while technological innovations such as the BVAS and IReV have improved transparency, the human and institutional factors behind their implementation remain crucial to achieving credible outcomes.
Rule of Law as Foundation of Democracy
Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, linked the success of democracy to respect for the rule of law and accountability in governance, stressing that electoral credibility cannot exist without justice and fairness.
Lawal urged political leaders to demonstrate ethical leadership and respect for due process, noting that democracy thrives only when institutions are allowed to function independently.
Strengthening INEC and Public Confidence
Former Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, identified weak institutions and low public confidence as the root causes of Nigeria’s electoral challenges. He argued that democracy depends on strong institutions, not individuals.
He called for a comprehensive review of INEC’s structure, funding, and operational independence, adding that electoral credibility must be built on transparency, accountability, and fairness.
Aregbesola and Other Stakeholders Weigh In
Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, commended the progress made in electoral technology but cautioned that innovation must be matched with integrity. He urged stakeholders to focus on capacity building, voter education, and institutional reforms that would make elections more inclusive and credible.
Other participants at the event echoed similar sentiments, calling for collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the 2027 polls.
Athena Centre’s Role in Electoral Reform
The Athena Election Observatory, launched during the event, aims to serve as a research and monitoring platform for tracking electoral innovations, governance reforms, and democratic trends across Africa.
According to the organisers, the Observatory will provide data-driven insights to support policymakers, electoral bodies, and civil society in advancing transparent and credible elections.
The forum concluded with a collective call for urgent institutional reforms, technological innovation, and citizen engagement to ensure that the 2027 general elections reflect the will of the people and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic foundations.