2027: Why Transparency, Not Leadership Change, Will Fix Nigeria’s Electoral Disputes
As Nigeria prepares for another electoral cycle, attention has once again turned to the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
However, recent developments suggest that beyond changes at the top, transparency in electoral processes remains the critical factor in addressing persistent disputes.
The transition from former INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to the current chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), in late 2025 was widely seen as an opportunity for reform. With his legal background, Amupitan’s appointment raised expectations of stricter adherence to electoral laws and improved credibility.
Yet, barely months into his tenure, the commission has continued to face protests, allegations of bias, and controversies surrounding party recognition. These developments indicate that leadership changes alone may not be sufficient to resolve Nigeria’s recurring electoral tensions.
It is worth noting that despite the enactment of the Electoral Act 2026—designed to strengthen the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and mandate electronic transmission of results—public skepticism persists. Analysts argue that reforms in law and technology can only succeed when supported by public trust in the system.
Central to this trust, experts say, is transparency. This goes beyond the deployment of digital tools and requires openness in key aspects of the electoral process.
One major concern is the appointment of Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), which has often sparked debate over neutrality. Calls have intensified for a more transparent and merit-based selection process to eliminate perceptions of political influence.
In addition, stakeholders have advocated improved access to real-time electoral data. While the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal provides access to results, there are demands for a more seamless, real-time system that enhances public confidence during vote collation.
Communication has also been identified as a critical gap. Analysts say that in an era of widespread misinformation, the commission must adopt proactive engagement strategies, ensuring timely clarification of decisions and processes to prevent speculation and mistrust.
To address these challenges, experts have proposed several measures, including strengthening INEC’s financial and administrative independence, enhancing stakeholder participation in electoral processes, and prioritising transparency as a core institutional value.
They argue that the success of elections should not only be measured by the declaration of winners, but also by the level of public confidence and absence of disputes throughout the process.
As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, stakeholders maintain that building a transparent and accountable electoral system will be key to sustaining Nigeria’s democratic stability.
By Amb Israel
