Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has advised Nigeria’s electoral body INEC to learn from its South Africa counterpart, IEC in electoral process.
Obi said Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of Nigeria in the last 2023 general election could not manage a 30% voters turn out and relay real time results while Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa in just concluded 2024 general election, with 60% voters turn out relayed results from all areas of the country in real time without glitches.
The Labour Party former presidential candidate added that while INEC, headed by Yakubu Mahmood, despite N300 billion and diaspora financial supports for the 2023 election could not guarantee real time results; IEC of South Africa guaranteed real time results and diaspora voting.
Obi regretted that INEC could not give Nigerians the much desired free and fair election in the last 2023 general election despite promises which led to too many court litigations.
In a statement on Saturday, June 8, the former governor of Anambra State said, “The outcome of the recent South African election results remains a shining example of what a transparent and efficient democratic electoral process should look like.
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“With about 60% Voter turnout, over 90% of polling open on time, allowing diaspora voting, the results and updates were real-time without any form of technical glitches during the election.”
Obi added that “this demonstrated the robustness and transparency of their system. The seamless online dissemination of results further highlights their commitment to democratic principles and technological advancement.
“This is in stark contrast, to the show of shame that the giant of Africa, Nigeria, gave the World in 2023. Nigeria’s 2023, with less than 30% of the Voter turnout and over 60% of the polling stations starting late, no diaspora voting, the elections were plagued by allegations of fraud and widespread irregularities, all forms of glitches, despite an enormous expenditure to the tune of about a billion dollars (direct allocation of =N=313 billion and donor agencies supports).
“The process has been widely discredited. The differences between the two countries’ electoral processes are both stark and lamentable. South Africa’s Election Results Center, with its state-of-the-art electronic board, showcased results with unparalleled precision and speed.
“Meanwhile, Nigeria’s electoral process is mired in controversy and lacks transparency. This glaring juxtaposition is a painful reminder of our country’s ongoing struggles with democratic governance.”
Obi further called on INEC and the Federal government to put measures in place to ensure transparent election that guarantees democracy. He further suggested a reform of Nigeria’s electoral process and laws for free and fair elections. He commended South Africa for believing in democracy through transparent election.
“It underscores the urgent need for comprehensive electoral reforms to ensure that our elections are free, fair, and credible. We must learn from South Africa’s example and strive to build a system that restores the people’s faith in our democracy.
“The time for action is now, and we cannot afford to delay any longer in addressing these critical issues,” Obi said.