The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has proposed major electoral reforms, including the phasing out of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and the introduction of diaspora voting. This announcement has drawn varied reactions from political parties in Nigeria, with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) expressing full support and opposition parties welcoming the idea with cautious optimism.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed the proposals last week, emphasizing that the reforms aim to improve Nigeria’s electoral process based on lessons learned from the 2023 general elections and subsequent polls. “The commission will soon present these proposals to the relevant committees in the Senate and House of Representatives,” Yakubu stated.
APC Backs the Reforms
The APC, through its National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, expressed unwavering support for the proposed changes. Ibrahim highlighted that the APC has always championed electoral reforms and sees no issue with INEC’s latest plans.
“If, in its wisdom, INEC feels there is a need to introduce some changes that will enhance and add credibility to the electoral process, so be it. I don’t see anything wrong with that,” Ibrahim said. He further noted that the APC had been instrumental in initiating past electoral reforms, including some of those INEC is now pursuing.
However, Ibrahim acknowledged that not all Nigerians might accept the changes. “No matter what you do, some people will come with scepticism and doubt. But what matters is the feeling of the majority. I don’t see anything wrong with introducing these reforms,” he added.
Labour Party Calls for Caution
The Labour Party’s National Legal Adviser, Kehinde Edun, welcomed the idea of diaspora voting, emphasizing its potential to give Nigerians abroad a chance to participate in elections. He noted that many Nigerians living overseas still have strong ties to the country and should not be excluded from the electoral process.
“Many have families here and still support their people in Nigeria. It is fair to give them an opportunity to participate,” Edun stated. However, he raised concerns about potential abuse of the system, calling for transparency in implementation.
Regarding the phasing out of PVCs, Edun said the success of this reform would depend on the technology deployed. “Even with PVCs, party agents have been buying and stockpiling them. Everything is about sincerity. INEC needs to rebuild Nigerians’ confidence in the system to improve voter turnout,” he added.
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PDP Stresses Credibility
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also voiced its support for the reforms but emphasized the importance of INEC’s integrity. Timothy Osadolor, the PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, said the success of any electoral innovation depends on the honesty and competence of those managing it.
“Innovations and technologies are very good, but only if they are not manipulated by the same INEC and its officers. It’s not about the technology itself; it’s about the people responsible for managing it,” Osadolor said.
Citing allegations of irregularities in Edo State, where INEC was accused of editing results, he urged the commission to purge itself of corrupt elements and restore public trust. “INEC must ensure its staff are competent and capable of upholding integrity. If this doesn’t happen, Nigerians will continue to doubt the electoral process,” he added.
The Road Ahead
INEC’s proposed reforms mark a bold step toward modernizing Nigeria’s electoral system. While the APC sees these changes as a continuation of their push for credible elections, opposition parties are urging the commission to prioritize transparency and public trust.
As Yakubu prepares to present the proposals to lawmakers, the debate over the sincerity and feasibility of these reforms is likely to intensify. For many Nigerians, the success of the reforms hinges on INEC’s ability to prove its commitment to free, fair, and credible elections.