Obasanjo calls for a leadership change and a reduction in tenure at the INEC.

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for the urgent appointment of new and credible leaders for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the Chinua Achebe leadership forum at Yale University. Highlighting the need for short tenures to minimize the risk of corruption and restore public trust, Obasanjo’s remarks resonate deeply amid concerns regarding electoral integrity in Nigeria.

In his address on “Leadership failure and state capture in Nigeria,” Obasanjo characterized the 2023 general elections as a “travesty.” He emphasized that significant reform of the electoral system is essential for the nation’s democratic health. According to Obasanjo, INEC must implement a rigorous vetting process to ensure that its officials are non-partisan and possess impeccable reputations. This vetting is crucial, he argued, to prevent electoral manipulation by both internal and external actors.

Obasanjo’s recommendations extend to all levels of INEC leadership, including federal, state, local government, and municipal appointments. He asserted that the chairperson of INEC should be not only competent but also transparently independent and incorruptible. His vision for electoral reform involves safeguarding elections from undue influence, thereby upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes.

Furthermore, Obasanjo criticized INEC’s failure to utilize technological innovations, such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the Election Viewing Portal (IReV), during the recent elections. He noted that these technologies were originally heralded as instrumental in enhancing the accuracy and transparency of electoral outcomes.

In conclusion, Obasanjo’s poignant call for credible INEC leadership underscores an urgent need for electoral reform in Nigeria. By implementing transparent processes and ensuring accountability, the nation can aspire to restore public confidence in its electoral systems and, ultimately, its democracy.