My Concern About Coalition, INEC, and Electorates Ahead of 2027

By Taoreed Abdullahi

While forming a coalition does not particularly resonate with me, it is because the same old leaders are simply being presented in a new guise. Virtually every leader has, at one point or another, represented their constituents, and their past actions while in office will determine and shape their future.

To win the hearts of Nigerians, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and those elected on its platform have many questions they need to address ahead of the 2027 elections, particularly regarding their promises on reforms in oil and gas, infrastructure, poverty alleviation, and more. Currently, many Nigerians are silent because the individual at the helm, the CEO of Nigeria, has indicated that if they are dissatisfied with his performance, they should either guide him out of Aso Villa, Abuja, to his residence at Bourdillon in Ikoyi, Lagos, with their votes or remove him from office in a dignified manner that would honestly reflect his failures. I believe that is what many Nigerians are waiting for, but the pressing question remains: Who will be the alternative?

As we approach the 2027 general elections, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has significant work to do to build public confidence. Issues of electoral violence, vote buying, and other forms of electoral malpractice still persist. Some scholars suggest that if INEC integrates the National Identification Number (NIN) into the voter registration process, it could help reduce instances of multiple voting. This would also allow for the removal of ghost names and individuals who are either deceased or have relocated, leading to a cleaner voter register.

Concerns have been raised that those who engaged in vote buying during the last election were not adequately penalized, which has led to a general mistrust in the electoral process. How does INEC plan to handle glitches during voting, especially related to posting results at polling units to their dedicated online database, IREV? Has INEC implemented measures to protect its data from being hacked? There is much work to be done, and Nigerians have high expectations of INEC.

Voters want to know how INEC will address the distortion and manipulation of figures during the collation process—from polling units to wards, local government areas, states, and federal levels. There have been numerous reports of alterations carried out by returning officers who are influenced by political actors to protect their interests. This brings us to the recruitment process for individuals who will serve as presiding officers, poll assistants, supervisors, and returning officers. How will INEC ensure that partisan individuals who masquerade as officers are prevented from interfering in the process?

Many Nigerians have praised corps members for their dedication while serving as electoral staff. How will INEC provide more security for these individuals, especially in light of some facing untimely deaths or kidnappings during elections? Is INEC considering offering insurance coverage for them? It is crucial that INEC takes tangible steps to restore voter confidence, as suspicions linger in some quarters that results may have been predetermined or that INEC has favored the ruling party. The electoral body needs to begin advocacy efforts to address these concerns; it cannot solely focus on these issues during election season.

Moreover, the presence of INEC in the media and communities should not be limited to election periods. Many Nigerians have reached voting age but still lack access to participate in the process. INEC should not wait until elections are imminent to begin voter registration and the printing of voter cards. Millions of uncollected voter cards are sitting in INEC offices across the country, and these should be made available at polling or voting units where individuals have registered.

Nigeria will soon have another opportunity to elect leaders who will govern the nation and states and represent constituents in the National Assembly, including both the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as state houses of assembly. It is high time for citizens to show interest, engage in the process, and vote for candidates they believe can improve the country. This is the only opportunity democracy affords you, so take advantage of it to make informed choices.

Democracy has given you a powerful tool to hold the system accountable and to elect individuals of integrity into positions of authority. Instead of complaining about poor policies or blaming others, take the right step by casting your vote in any election. Politicians may come to you with various tactics that could tempt you to sell your conscience. Please refrain from selling your vote, and do not accept gifts or rice they may offer on the eve of the election. Support INEC in its efforts to ensure a fair electoral process.

Until we collectively decide to take action and shape our future, individuals will continue to claim the power to make others President, Governor, Senator, Representative, State Assembly members, and even Chairmen of Local Government Areas.

It is time to begin campaigning and mobilizing for active participation in the electoral process. Your vote is your tool to remove godfathers and their allies from our governance. It is important for everyone to obtain their voter cards and participate on election day.

Politicians may try to use thugs and security forces to intimidate voters, but it is crucial to resist this intimidation. Stay focused, remain orderly, and do not succumb to the temptation to manipulate your vote.

Taoreed Abdullahi

08024273583

taoheedolajideabdulahi@yahoo.com