Concerns have intensified regarding the ability of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free, fair, and credible elections, especially following the recent successful presidential elections in Ghana.
Despite the technological innovations introduced by the INEC under Professor Attahiru Jega, which oversaw the 2011 and 2015 general elections, many Nigerians expressed disappointment with the elections held in 2019 and 2023. This dissatisfaction is reflected in the numerous pre- and post-election litigations that have emerged.
Since the 2015 presidential election, where incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan accepted defeat, Nigeria’s presidential election results have been marred by distrust and allegations of fraud. In contrast, during last week’s presidential election in Ghana, incumbent Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia conceded to his rival, John Mahama, even before the final results were fully tallied. Madam Jean Mensa, chairperson of Ghana’s Electoral Commission, later announced the official results.
Based on extensive consultations, seven key challenges have been identified that may hinder the effectiveness of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) in Nigeria compared to its success in Ghana. A significant factor is the integrity of electoral officials. In Ghana, the commitment of electoral managers to transparent practices and accountability has been essential for the successful implementation of BVAS, ensuring that the elections prioritize credibility over personal or political interests.
In Nigeria, the human element has posed a major obstacle to the electoral process. Electoral officials have frequently been criticized for bias, corruption, and involvement in undermining the BVAS system. These issues diminish public trust and undermine the effectiveness of the process.
In Ghana, electoral officers are selected based on merit and neutrality, ensuring that those in charge of the electoral process are free from political influence. This approach minimizes the risk of human interference with technological systems like BVAS.
In contrast, Nigeria often appoints individuals with political ties, including party members and relatives of political figures. This evident partisanship creates conditions ripe for the misuse or sabotage of BVAS.
Ghana emphasizes the importance of continuity in electoral management by retaining experienced officials who have successfully conducted credible elections. This practice helps build trust in the electoral process.
A notable example in Ghana is Kwadwo Afari-Gyan, who served as the first substantive chairman of the Electoral Commission from 1993 until 2015. His tenure was marked by honesty and integrity, significantly transforming Ghana’s electoral landscape. At the 25th anniversary of the Institute for Economic Affairs in 2014, Professor Jega highlighted Dr. Afari-Gyan’s contributions, stating that Nigeria has greatly benefited from his example, learning valuable lessons from the challenges he faced and how he overcame them.
In contrast, Nigeria often removes or marginalizes electoral officials known for their integrity. Between 1993 and 2015, several chairpersons of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) who resisted undue influences were replaced, including figures like Humphrey Nwosu and other respected Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) known for their character.
This practice hampers institutional development and erodes public trust in the electoral system. Unlike Ghana, where the retention of capable officials fosters institutional memory, Nigeria struggles with this continuity, undermining the overall integrity of its electoral processes.
In Ghana, electoral malpractice carries severe consequences, creating a strong deterrent that encourages electoral officials to uphold fairness and transparency. Special courts may be established to swiftly address electoral offenses, ensuring timely justice.
Conversely, Nigeria suffers from weak accountability, where election officials involved in misconduct often face no penalties. Instead, those implicated may be protected or even promoted, perpetuating unethical behavior. For instance, it is common for relatives of political elites to be appointed as Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) or national commissioners, compromising the neutrality essential for credible elections.
In Ghana, the success of the BVAS system is largely attributed to the competence of electoral staff, who receive thorough training and preparation. This ensures that technical readiness translates into effective execution on election day.
In Nigeria, the effectiveness of electoral staff is undermined by inadequate training, particularly in regions with high illiteracy rates. This often results in operators being unable to manage or troubleshoot the BVAS system properly. There have also been allegations of deliberate sabotage, such as server failures during the 2023 presidential election, raising suspicions of human interference. The denials from INEC officials have not restored trust due to the existing credibility gap.
In contrast, Ghana’s electoral achievements stem from strong political will and commitment among stakeholders to uphold integrity. Leaders and managers collaborate effectively to ensure that the BVAS system functions as intended.
Conversely, Nigeria’s lack of political will is evident, as political actors often manipulate electoral officials to secure favorable outcomes. For example, issues like server shutdowns during elections have been attributed to human interference, with reports of BVAS feedback being tampered with or spoofed.
In Ghana, electoral staff receive extensive training that equips them to manage technical challenges effectively, significantly reducing the likelihood of human errors due to their commitment to skill development.
In Nigeria, the lack of adequate training and commitment to capacity building is prevalent. This issue is compounded by regional disparities, as some areas receive less attention owing to political biases.
Chapter 6, Part 1, Section 154 of the 1999 Constitution emphasizes the appointment process for the chairman and members of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Sub-section (3) stipulates that the president must consult the Council of State before making such appointments. During President Jonathan’s tenure, he adhered to this requirement by consulting the National Council of State when appointing Professor Jega and other commission members. This adherence contributed to the integrity of the 2015 presidential election, which successfully brought Muhammadu Buhari to power.
The current administration has appointed several Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs), but an investigation by Vanguard revealed no documented consultation meetings of the National Council of State regarding these appointments. Alarmingly, the National Assembly has approved all REC nominees, despite evidence of partisanship among some appointees.
The contrasting experiences with the BVAS system highlight that the effectiveness of electoral technology is heavily influenced by human factors, particularly the appointment of competent and neutral personnel. In Ghana, the integrity and impartiality of appointed electoral managers have allowed BVAS to function effectively. In Nigeria, however, issues like partisan appointments and deliberate sabotage have compromised the system’s performance.
To ensure that BVAS operates effectively, it is essential to prioritize the following human-centered lessons and recommendations:
1. The leadership of Nigeria’s electoral body must consist of individuals with unquestionable integrity. Without honest leadership, public confidence in technological advancements like BVAS will falter.
- The selection process for electoral officials should prioritize neutrality and competence rather than political affiliations. This approach will minimize the risk of intentional sabotage or misuse of technology.
3. Implementing strict penalties for electoral malpractice is crucial to deter unethical behavior. Individuals who undermine the electoral process must face significant consequences.
4.Electoral staff need thorough training to effectively manage BVAS, ensuring that training is equitably distributed across all regions.
5. Stakeholders must show a genuine commitment to the success of BVAS by promoting transparency and proactively addressing challenges arising from human factors.
Since the peak of voter turnout in 2003, where 39 million Nigerians (69.1%) participated in elections, the number of people voting in subsequent general elections has steadily decreased. For instance, voter numbers dropped from 29.8 million (52.3%) in 1999 to just 24 million (26.7%) in 2023.
This decline can be attributed to several factors, including voter apathy due to mistrust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), challenges faced on election day, logistical issues, and concerns about election day violence. Many voters are increasingly frustrated by the belief that their votes may not matter.
The situation may worsen in 2027, as some electoral promises from INEC chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu regarding the reliability of BVAS and the IReV system were undermined when results were not uploaded from polling units, damaging public confidence. To restore trust in Nigeria’s electoral processes, substantial reforms addressing these human factors are essential.
The success of elections relies on leadership with integrity, fair appointments, and accountability; advanced technology alone cannot guarantee credibility. The 2027 elections will be crucial in determining Nigeria’s dedication to these necessary reforms, as public confidence in the electoral process hangs in the balance.