Founder of the Nigeria Election Petition Organisation, Ameze Belo-Osagie, has urged stakeholders to prioritize preventing electoral malpractice before elections. In an interview with ARISE NEWS, Osagie discussed her research into election litigation in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach. Her study examined over 3,300 election tribunal judgments and hundreds of interviews across 17 states. Osagie argued that the persistent failure of many election petitions necessitates strengthening the electoral process before voting takes place.
Osagie's research revealed a significant increase in election petition judgments between the 2019 and 2023 election cycles, from approximately 543 to 943. She noted that the nature of electoral malpractice has created difficulties for challengers in court. Qualification disputes can often be established through documentary evidence, but allegations involving vote-buying and electoral violence are more challenging to prove due to the evidential burden imposed by the courts.
Osagie advocates for reforms that make it harder for cases to leave the judicial process without being thoroughly investigated. She believes that the judicial process should not be the primary mechanism for dealing with malpractice that could have been prevented during the conduct of an election. According to Osagie, electoral litigation remains important, but it should complement preventive measures.
The lawyer also called for greater transparency from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). She suggested that INEC should disclose more information about how votes are counted and results are reached. This, Osagie believes, will help Nigerians understand what happens during elections and make informed decisions about possible reforms.
Osagie questioned the structure that makes INEC a respondent in virtually every election petition. She argued that this arrangement could create difficulties, as INEC is both the body responsible for conducting elections and the institution holding important records and materials that may be required to challenge the results.
Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Osagie highlighted the importance of pre-election litigation. She noted that such cases can determine which candidates appear on the ballot before voters cast their votes. Osagie maintained that preventing malpractice before elections would be more effective than depending on litigation after the fact.
Osagie emphasized that courts should still provide a meaningful avenue for establishing what happened when electoral disputes arise. Her research and advocacy aim to promote a more transparent and accountable electoral process in Nigeria. The call for preventive measures and reforms comes as Nigeria prepares for future elections.
Key points
- Ameze Belo-Osagie calls for focus on preventing electoral malpractice in Nigeria before elections.
- Osagie's research revealed a significant increase in election petition judgments between the 2019 and 2023 election cycles.
- The lawyer advocates for greater transparency from INEC and reforms in the electoral process.
