Tinubu’s Stance On Electoral Reforms Unclear, Says Yiaga Africa

Leading civil society organisation, Yiaga Africa, has said the President Bola Tinubu-led administration is yet to declare its stance on electoral reforms.

The pro-democracy organisation also noted that one-year after the general election, an Afrobarometer survey revealed that only 23% of Nigerians trust the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), adding that it signifies a crisis of confidence that must be urgently addressed.

The election monitoring body stated this in its latest report, titled “Electoral Trust Restored? Nigeria’s Electoral Process One Year after the 2023 General Election.”

It is a comprehensive analysis of the state of the electoral process following the last general elections, a jointly signed statement by chairman, Watching The Vote Working Group, Dr Hussain Abdu, and executive director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, said about the report.

Beside, the decline in public trust and unclear stance of the Tinubu-led administration on electoral reforms, the report also reflected concerns about judicial pronouncements and electoral law, institutional independence, electoral misconduct and impunity; and obstruction of electoral justice.

The statement which stressed that the report is a culmination of one year of rigorous research, documentation and analysis of key election trends, said, “The Afrobarometer survey’s findings that only 23% of Nigerians trust the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) signify a crisis of confidence that must be urgently addressed.

“Trust in electoral processes is the bedrock of democratic legitimacy, and as such, Yiaga Africa calls for greater transparency and accountability for all election stakeholders. We acknowledge the technological strides made by INEC, particularly with the BVAS. However, we encourage INEC to continue to strive for greater transparency and regular public engagement, to rebuild and enhance the public trust.”

On the stance of the Tinubu-led administration on electoral reforms, it revealed that “One-year after the general election, the Tinubu administration is yet to declare its stance on electoral reform. Following the conclusion of election petitions, there is a public expectation that the President would present a definitive electoral reform agenda to restore trust in the process. Yiaga Africa call on the Tinubu-led administration to articulate and implement a definitive electoral reform agenda. The commitment of the Presidency to support and assent to legislative efforts to reform the electoral framework is critical to restoring public trust.”

With regards to judicial pronouncements and electoral law, the report noted that the legal inconsistencies and the conflicting judgements that surfaced post-election are of great concern.

“The judiciary must conduct an introspective audit to rectify the inconsistencies and legal discrepancies that have contributed to a decline in judicial trust among the Nigerian people.”

On institutional independence, it said “The perceived capture of the election management body through partisan appointments undermines INEC’s integrity. Yiaga Africa stands firm against any form of political interference that compromises the neutrality and independence of electoral institutions.”

The report also reflected on electoral misconduct and impunity, stating “The culture of electoral impunity, highlighted by instances of attacks on INEC officials, pre-filled results sheets and violence at polling units, poses a significant threat to the rule of law and democratic order. Yiaga Africa insists on stringent measures against electoral offenders to deter future misconduct.”

It also highlighted the obstruction of electoral justice, noting that “obstruction of legal processes and the tampering with electoral evidence are unacceptable. Yiaga Africa urges the judiciary and security agencies to protect the sanctity of electoral materials and the legal rights of all stakeholders to seek justice.”