A More Important Advocacy Than A Coalition: Fixing Nigeria’s Broken Electoral Foundation

By Chukwuemeka Ekwunife In Nigeria, political ambition has become a game of thrones—an endless scramble for power without regard for process. Alliances are formed, coalitions announced, and movements launched, all in a bid to win the next election. But in this frantic pursuit of victory, one thing is consistently overlooked: the foundational flaw in our […]

By Chukwuemeka Ekwunife

In Nigeria, political ambition has become a game of thrones—an endless scramble for power without regard for process. Alliances are formed, coalitions announced, and movements launched, all in a bid to win the next election. But in this frantic pursuit of victory, one thing is consistently overlooked: the foundational flaw in our electoral process.

The Real Crisis: A Broken Foundation

The Psalmist once asked, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3). This question is as relevant today as it was when first uttered. If the very system by which we elect leaders is defective, what hope do citizens have? If the electoral process is compromised from the beginning—flawed registers, omitted names, ghost voters, ballot snatching, vote rigging—then any outcome built on it is illegitimate.

From President Jonathan to the most recent administration, no Nigerian leader can lay claim to a victory rooted in an entirely transparent and credible process. This is not merely a political allegation—it is a structural indictment.

The Enemy of Reform: Fear of Technology

Why is electronic voting still resisted in 2025? Why is it that Nigeria, with one of the most dynamic tech-savvy populations in Africa, continues to vote with paper, ink, and thuggery? If we can build and operate one of the most advanced digital banking systems on the continent—if ATM cards, BVN, NIN, and mobile banking can work seamlessly—why can’t we vote electronically?

The answer is simple: a transparent process is an existential threat to those who thrive in the shadows of rigging. Electronic voting closes the gaps for vote allocation, polling unit manipulation, and compromised collation. It threatens the demons of our democracy, and so it is resisted with vehemence.

The Cost of Electoral Malpractice: Demonic Invasion

When the foundation is weak, the structure becomes an open invitation for chaos. In our case, the flawed foundation of our elections has unleashed the demonic spirits of violence, ballot box snatching, and impunity. You cannot fight for a mat when the land upon which to lay it is sinking. Our democracy is not failing because we lack good people; it is failing because the system rejects integrity.

What We Must Do: Advocate for Foundational Reform

We do not need another coalition for power; we need a coalition for reform. Nigeria must rise to demand an electoral process that works. A process that:
– Registers real voters, not ghosts.
– Ensures every eligible citizen has access to vote.
– Guarantees electronic accreditation, voting, and collation.
– Penalizes malpractice with enforceable consequences.

Let us redirect our energy from who wins to how we vote. Let our advocacy not only focus on the presidency but also on our National Assembly, State Houses of Assembly, and Local Government Councils. These legislators hold the keys to true electoral reform. They must be held accountable.

Next Steps: Civic Action and Pressure

We need:
– Town hall meetings with legislators and INEC officials.
– Tech-driven proposals from our rich pool of Nigerian developers.
– Media advocacy and public education on electronic voting.
– A standing citizens’ coalition that monitors legislative progress on electoral reform.

Conclusion: The Time Is Now

We are not without hope. Nigeria is rich in human capital, civic consciousness, and spiritual resilience. But until we fix the electoral foundation, no coalition can save us from a system designed to fail.

Let this be our advocacy: not just a coalition to win power, but a revolution to restore the process.

 

Chukwuemeka Ekwunife is a public advocate who desires to see the princes of the lioness Nigeria arise!