Osita Chidoka, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has strongly criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its handling of the last presidential election. In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Chidoka expressed his disappointment with INEC’s inability to electronically transmit election results in real-time.
Describing INEC as a “monumental disgrace,” Chidoka voiced his shame in being associated with the organization as a Nigerian. He had previously called for third-party verification of the INEC system to ensure a glitch-free election day. However, on the actual election day, INEC admitted to experiencing a glitch.
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Chidoka further criticized INEC for going to court to argue that non-compliance with its regulations should not be grounds for canceling an election. He emphasized that INEC’s struggle with such an issue reflects poorly on the nation’s reputation among other countries. Chidoka questioned why INEC couldn’t learn from countries like India and Indonesia, which successfully conduct elections despite their large populations.
The recent report by Wowplus highlighted that both the PDP and Labour Party (LP) had challenged the declaration of Bola Tinubu, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the winner of the February 25 presidential election. Their argument was based on INEC’s failure to carry out real-time transmission of results to the election portal.
However, the court has ruled in favor of INEC, stating that the commission has the liberty to transmit results in any way it deems fit.
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INEC’s failure to implement electronic transmission of election results has raised concerns about the transparency and credibility of the electoral process. Many believe that the use of technology could enhance the integrity of elections by reducing the possibility of human error and manipulation.
Chidoka’s criticism of INEC echoes the sentiments of many Nigerians who have expressed frustration with the commission’s handling of elections. The call for third-party verification of the INEC system reflects a growing demand for more transparency and accountability in the electoral process.
In an era where technology plays a significant role in various aspects of our lives, it is imperative for INEC to embrace electronic transmission of results. Countries like India and Indonesia have successfully implemented this system, proving that it is both feasible and effective.
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The failure to adopt electronic transmission not only undermines the credibility of the electoral process but also hampers Nigeria’s progress in the global arena. As a nation aspiring to be a democratic leader in Africa, it is essential for Nigeria to embrace technological advancements that can enhance the transparency and efficiency of elections.
Furthermore, the court’s ruling in favor of INEC raises questions about the judiciary’s role in ensuring accountability and fairness in the electoral process. Some argue that the court’s decision undermines the principle of checks and balances, as it allows INEC to operate without sufficient scrutiny.
The criticism directed at INEC should serve as a wake-up call for the commission to reevaluate its processes and embrace technological advancements. It is crucial for INEC to restore public confidence in the electoral system by implementing measures that ensure transparency, accuracy, and fairness.
In conclusion, Osita Chidoka’s criticism of INEC’s failure to electronically transmit election results highlights the need for improvement in Nigeria’s electoral process. The court’s ruling in favor of INEC raises concerns about the judiciary’s role in ensuring accountability. It is imperative for INEC to embrace technology and implement measures that enhance transparency, accuracy, and fairness in elections. Only by doing so can Nigeria regain its reputation as a democratic leader in Africa.
