Professor Pat Utomi, a member of the Movement for Credible Elections, has highlighted the difficulties faced by opposition parties in protecting their votes during elections in Nigeria. According to Utomi, inadequate resources and limited access to polling agents are major challenges. He made these remarks during an interview with ARISE News while discussing Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 elections.
Utomi noted that political parties without control of state governments often lack the financial and logistical resources available to parties in power. This imbalance becomes particularly significant on election day, when parties need representatives at polling units to monitor voting, counting, and the recording of results. As a result, opposition parties are vulnerable to having results written where they are not present.
Utomi emphasized that a party that can’t have agents in all of the polling stations in the country is vulnerable to electoral malpractices. He suggested that opposition parties could reduce this vulnerability by collaborating and sharing resources rather than attempting to operate independently. This, he believes, will ensure that people are made aware that their votes can count.
The professor also stressed the importance of voter participation, saying citizens need to understand that their ballots can influence electoral outcomes. If people become aware that their votes can count and they come out and vote, it would be difficult for security forces to prevent Nigerians from exercising their franchise. He urged citizens to participate in the electoral process to ensure that their voices are heard.
Utomi further proposed the use of technology to protect votes and improve transparency. He suggested the use of body cameras and live streaming at polling units so that events during elections can be independently documented. This, he believes, will help to address some of the weaknesses in the electoral process.
The professor argued that the combination of voter participation, cooperation among opposition groups, and stronger monitoring could help to improve the electoral process. He urged political actors and civil society groups to explore technology as a way of protecting votes and improving transparency. This, he believes, will help to build trust in the electoral process.
Utomi's comments come ahead of the 2027 elections in Nigeria. The country has faced challenges in the past with regards to electoral malpractices and vote protection. His suggestions are aimed at addressing some of these challenges and ensuring that the electoral process is transparent and credible.
Key points
- Opposition parties in Nigeria face challenges in protecting votes due to inadequate resources and limited access to polling agents.
- Professor Pat Utomi suggests that opposition parties can collaborate and share resources to reduce their vulnerability to electoral malpractices.
- Utomi proposes the use of technology, such as body cameras and live streaming, to improve transparency and protect votes.
