Nigerian experts have said that the credible and transparent process that characterised the just-conducted presidential election in Ghana appears to indict the Nigerian electoral system, which seemed to have failed to elicit such confidence among the Nigerian public.
LEADERSHIP reported on Sunday that in a keenly contested presidential election, former President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama, of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), won Saturday’s election, defeating his closest rival and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who conceded defeat.
“The people of Ghana have spoken, the people have voted for change at this time, and we respect it with all humility,” Bawumia said in a news conference on Sunday.
With this defeat, the two terms in power for the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo have ended. The people of Ghana appeared to have voted out the NPP after the party was accused of plunging Ghana into its worst economic crisis in years, involving high inflation and a debt default.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP on Monday, public intellectual and former head of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Dr Sam Amadi, said there was not much to learn from Ghana apart from the fact that the Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) usually compromises elections, which exposes its complicity in rigging for politicians against extant laws.
He noted that the Nigerian electoral system could be trusted but frowned at the willingness of INEC officials to rig elections for politicians. “INEC is full of appointed resident commissioners who have ethical challenges,” he stressed, citing the recent governorship election in Edo, where he accused INEC of producing wrong results.
“Elections could be free and fair in Nigeria, but INEC is the biggest obstacle to credible elections. The appointment of those loyal to politicians as Resident Commissioners is a huge disservice to the electoral system in the country,” he noted, even as he called for the reconstitution of the commission in line with the recommendations of the Uwais committee reports.
He said, “The problem with elections in Nigeria is that INEC has officials willing to rig elections for politicians.”
Also, speaking to LEADERSHIP on Monday, renowned journalist and expert in international affairs and diplomacy Dr Austin congratulated Ghanaians on a successful election. He stressed that the outcome was a true reflection of the people’s will of the former Gold Coast.
“It is a triumph of democracy and the will of the people to take their destiny in their own hands.
“It is not common in Africa for an opposition leader to emerge victorious as President-elect. Elections in most African countries are usually marred by irregularities and allegations of rigging by contending parties.
“This was not the case in the just concluded Ghanaian elections. Reports indicate that the will of the people prevailed. Votes were counted and made to count. The winner emerged because he received the mandate of the people.
“The lesson for the Nigerian political class and INEC is that the beauty of democracy is in the ballot, a free expression of the will of the people. It is a shame when, as a result of incompetence, negligence or fraud, our electoral process enables a subversion of the will of the people and millions of Nigerians are robbed of their rights to elect their representatives freely, consequently undermining the very essence of democracy.
“The just concluded election in Ghana is a wakeup call if truly we want to be a shining light to other African countries as the largest democracy in the continent.”
Dean Head of the Faculty of Social Science and a senior lecturer with the Department of Political Science at the University of Abuja, Professor Yusuf Zoaka, in his reaction on Monday, said that Ghana has earned a reputation for conducting peaceful, transparent, and credible elections, often regarded as a model for democratic practices in Africa.
He said Nigeria is facing recurring challenges such as electoral violence, voter apathy, and logistical inefficiencies, urging the government and electoral body to draw valuable lessons from Ghana’s electoral successes.
He advised INEC to strengthen electoral institutions and learn from Ghana’s Electoral Commission (EC), which is independent, well-resourced, and transparent in its operations.
“Nigeria can enhance the autonomy and capacity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free and fair elections,” he said.
He also urged Nigerian authorities to use technology, as Ghana has successfully deployed biometric voter registration and verification systems to minimise electoral fraud.
“Nigeria should expand and refine its use of technology, such as electronic transmission of results, to enhance credibility and transparency.
“Ghana’s elections are marked by efficient planning, timely distribution of electoral materials, and minimal logistical disruptions.
“Nigeria should prioritise early planning, training of ad-hoc staff, and efficient deployment of resources to avoid delays and disorganisation,” he added.
He also called for inclusivity and Voter Education, adding that civil society organisations play a vital role in educating voters about their rights and responsibilities in Ghana.
“Nigeria can increase collaboration with civil society to conduct extensive voter education campaigns, especially targeting women, youth, and marginalised groups,” he noted.
He pointed out that by adopting lessons from Ghana, Nigeria can improve its electoral processes, strengthen democratic institutions, and ensure peaceful and credible elections. This would enhance public confidence in the electoral system and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a leader in African democratic governance.
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