Politicians, please stop threatening Nigeria’s democracy
The media was awash with revelation made by erstwhile Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Professor Attahiru Jega that, “the desperation and recklessness of politicians is the greatest threat to Nigeria’s Electoral Democracy”. The former INEC boss made the comment at the inaugural session of ‘Watching The Vote Election Series’, an event organized […]
The media was awash with revelation made by erstwhile Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Professor Attahiru Jega that, “the desperation and recklessness of politicians is the greatest threat to Nigeria’s Electoral Democracy”. The former INEC boss made the comment at the inaugural session of ‘Watching The Vote Election Series’, an event organized by YIAGA Africa, to serve as a platform in discussing the road map leading to the 2019 general elections. Professor Jega’s comment couldn’t have come at a better time and gathering.
There is no questioning Professor Jega’s first-hand knowledge of the antics of Nigerian politicians, especially seeing as he was at the helm of affairs at INEC, during the 2011 and 2015 general elections. Both elections made their marks in the history of elections in Nigeria, especially the 2015, polls which for the first time saw the replacement of an incumbent President with an opposition.
It is rather unfortunate that the key players of the electoral process are the most culpable when it comes to electoral turmoil in Nigeria. While we may heap the blame on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), when it comes to irregularities during elections, Nigerians are not oblivious of the fact that politicians always try to be a step ahead in a bid to manipulate the process.
Take for example, the most recent issue of alleged underage voting in Kano, which of course is a dent on the image of the electoral body. It should be noted that no underage person will come out on his own to vote without politicians inducing and mobilizing him. Though election officials may be culpable as regards underage voting, there are allegations that politicians go as far as threatening electoral officials with guns and other weapons forcing them to undermine the process.
As rightly noted by the former National Chairman of Labour Party; Barrister Dan Nwanyanwu, during the Election Series, Nigerian politicians do not care about the credibility of the electoral process, as they are more interested in winning elections at all cost.
As a matter of fact, politicians hardly make effort in voter education during political campaigns, as all they care about is canvassing for votes. It is surprising as well as worrisome that in this age and time, elections still register thousands of invalid votes due to lack of adequate voter education.
There is need for security agencies to step up their game and apprehend any politician culpable of these offences. The sensitization of young people as regards being used as electoral thugs is imperative for them to know they have better and equally vital roles to play in the society.
Moshood Isah is the Media Officer of YIAGA Africa.