A STRONG WARNING TO NIGERIA’S AUTHORITIES AND INEC: THE PEOPLE DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY AND INTEGRITY

As the voice of the people, I must issue a powerful and unambiguous warning to the Nigerian authorities and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) regarding the deep and troubling issues that have plagued our electoral process. The 2023 presidential election and its aftermath have laid bare serious concerns about the credibility, transparency, and fairness of the system that is supposed to uphold the sacred right of every Nigerian to freely choose their leaders.

The Electoral Process Under Siege

Elections are the cornerstone of democracy. They are the mechanism through which the people’s will is expressed and respected. However, recent events have shown that our electoral process is under siege by systemic malpractices. Reports of vote rigging, result manipulation, the malfunctioning and suspicious operation of BVAS devices, and the inexplicable shutdowns and discrepancies in the iREV portal have cast a shadow of doubt over the legitimacy of the declared results.

The widespread belief among millions of Nigerians is that the mandate was not won fairly but rather “snatched” through a combination of electoral malpractice, institutional collusion, and the failure of key bodies to act impartially. Allegations that votes meant for opposition candidates like Peter Obi were altered, canceled, or simply disregarded are too numerous and credible to ignore.

The Role of INEC and the Judiciary

INEC, as the custodian of our elections, bears the primary responsibility to conduct elections that are free, fair, and credible. Instead, the commission’s actions—or inactions—have raised serious questions. The refusal to transparently investigate and address these concerns has damaged its reputation. Similarly, the judiciary, which is meant to be an impartial arbiter, has been accused of failing to deliver justice in electoral disputes, further undermining public confidence.

A telling moment was when Bola Tinubu, the declared winner, reportedly distanced himself from the controversies, stating it was “not his fault” but implying that others were responsible. Yet, INEC and the courts have stood firmly behind the results without credible resolution of these issues, leaving many Nigerians feeling betrayed and disenfranchised.

The People Demand Better

We cannot accept a system where electoral bodies and courts seemingly serve interests contrary to the will of the people. If those entrusted with upholding democracy cannot perform their duties honestly and efficiently, then they must step aside. We, the citizens of Nigeria, possess the strength, resolve, and intellect to demand and enact reforms that safeguard our votes.

Our democracy is not a mere formality or a charade for political elites. It is a sacred trust between the government and the governed. Allowing election malpractice to persist threatens not only our political future but also social stability and national unity.

A Call for Immediate Action and Reform

It is time for decisive action:

INEC must overhaul its processes and technologies, ensuring transparency and accountability at every stage.

The judiciary must uphold impartiality and justice in electoral matters, demonstrating that the rule of law prevails.

Political stakeholders should commit to peaceful, fair competition and reject violence and manipulation.

Civil society and the media must continue to hold these institutions accountable.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s future depends on credible elections and genuine respect for the people’s voice. The time for complacency, excuses, or denial is over. The people will no longer tolerate fraud or manipulation. If our institutions fail us, then it is the duty of the people to demand change—by all lawful and peaceful means.

The power belongs to the people. We will defend it, protect it, and ensure it is never stolen again.