Ex-INEC commissioner warns 2026 Electoral Act must be fixed before 2027 polls

2026-03-26 - 16:33

By Kingsley Omonobi, Abuja Former National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Mike Igini, has called for urgent action to address what he described as the “tragedy” associated with the 2026 Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that failure to resolve current issues may prevent Nigerians from freely determining who governs them. Igini made the remarks on Thursday at the second annual lecture of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Security Studies in Abuja, stressing that Nigeria’s progress and overall quality of life would improve if the country succeeds in reforming its electoral process. “Until citizens derive confidence from a process that is fair and winners are chosen legitimately, democracy cannot deliver on its promise of empowering the people, protecting their rights, and providing a foundation for progress for future generations,” Igini said. He emphasized that democracy is a complex, participatory process requiring active citizen involvement and structured participation by institutions. He highlighted the constitutional principles of citizens’ sovereignty, conditional delegation of authority to elected representatives, and the necessity of transparent, credible, and inclusive elections to maintain legitimacy. Igini outlined the responsibilities of political parties, security agencies, and law enforcement in creating an enabling environment for voters and ensuring impartial access to public venues. He said: “Elections, when conducted credibly, give life to democracy. Democracy cannot thrive under absolutism or without the rule of law. Integrity and respect for legal frameworks are paramount.” He cited historical examples in Nigeria, including electoral crises in 1965 and 1983, as well as Kenya’s 2007–2008 elections, to illustrate the dangers of weak electoral processes and the societal instability that can result from flawed elections. In his remarks, INEC Chairman Prof. Joseph Amupitan stated that the 2027 general election would test the resilience of the Commission. He assured that INEC remains committed to enhancing electoral security and credibility, emphasizing that credible elections are foundational to national security, economic development, and public trust. Amupitan noted improvements in voter turnout in the FCT, from 9.4% in 2022 to 15% in 2026, but stressed that overall participation has declined nationally, warning that voter apathy can undermine governance and create opportunities for non-state actors to delegitimize the electoral process. He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to the supremacy of the 1999 Constitution and Electoral Acts, highlighting the importance of coordinated security arrangements for upcoming elections, including the Ekiti governorship election on June 6, 2026, and the Osun election on August 18, 2026. The President of the Alumni Association, Barr. Mike Ejiofor, said the theme of the lecture, “Credible Elections and National Security in Nigeria,” was timely. He emphasized that credible elections confer legitimacy, while flawed elections breed discontent, instability, and in some cases, violence. Ejiofor concluded that dialogues like the lecture are essential for charting a path toward a more secure and democratic Nigeria.