INEC’s Responsibility for Credible Elections
First impressions are critical, and the current chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Ampitan, is about to face a significant challenge. On Saturday, voters in seven states will participate in elections that will mark a pivotal moment for his leadership. Although he previously oversaw the Anambra State governorship election in November and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) regional assembly election in February, June 20 will be a substantial test. For the first time, INEC will conduct six parliamentary elections across five regions, alongside the Ekiti State governorship election, where incumbent governor Biodun Oyebunji of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is set to compete against candidates from 13 other political parties.
Vacant Seats and the Urgent Need for Representation
The by-elections are necessitated by four vacant Senate seats, including Enugu North, which lost Senator Okey Ezeah in November, Nasarawa North, where Senator Godiya Akwasiki passed away in December, and Rivers South East, following the death of Senator Barinada Mpigi earlier this year. Furthermore, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim’s resignation from Ondo South to assume the role of Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations has created an additional vacancy. Also included in these elections are Dawakin Kudu/Walawa Federal Constituency in Kano State and Zulu Constituency in Kebbi State, leaving residents of these districts without representation in legislative chambers. The essential objective of the June 20 elections is to restore that vital voice in governance.
The Challenge of By-Elections
Despite their importance, by-elections often expose the worst tendencies of political engagement, partly because they receive minimal public attention. Voter turnout in the general elections has already been alarmingly low, with less than a quarter of registered voters participating in the 2023 presidential election—the lowest recorded in the history of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic. By-elections typically experience even lower turnout, making them susceptible to bribery and manipulation, as the stakes are perceived to be lower. The less scrutiny there is, the greater the temptation for unethical practices.
The High Stakes of Low-Profile Elections
This contradiction is a key consideration for Ampitan. While small in scope, these elections carry significant stakes. Past experiences in Nigeria have demonstrated the considerable damage that can occur when political processes unfold behind closed doors, away from public vigilance. The potential for misconduct looms large in local elections, and it is Ampitan’s duty to ensure integrity in the electoral process.
A Commitment to Ethics in Elections
Ampitan has expressed commitment to the integrity of the electoral process, emphasizing the importance of voting and denouncing vote-buying and trading as critical threats to democracy. He has urged security forces to actively arrest and prosecute violators, promoting an environment of accountability. Moreover, he has called for a campaign focused on issues, warning candidates against the personal attacks that often plague Nigeria’s political landscape. By setting these standards, he aims to restore faith in the electoral process and the timely transmission of results.
Setting Higher Standards for Elections
According to Ampitan, 93% of the results from the Anambra governorship election were posted on viewing portals by 7 PM on polling day—an ambitious standard that he has chosen to uphold. The upcoming elections on June 20 will test whether this level of transparency and efficiency can be achieved across multiple elections held concurrently in diverse locations.
The Role of Security Agencies in Upholding Democracy
Since taking office, Ampitan has pledged to facilitate credible elections in Nigeria. However, no matter how well INEC prepares or how robust the legal frameworks are, the integrity of elections can still be compromised by security agencies that lack impartiality, become overwhelmed, or are subject to external pressures. It remains crucial that these agencies are equipped with effective plans for monitoring the elections in Ekiti State, Enugu North, Nasarawa North, Rivers South East, Ondo South, Dawakin Kudu/Walawa in Kano State, and Zulu in Kebbi State. Ultimately, the hope is that fair play prevails and that the best candidate emerges victorious.
