Professor Pat Utomi, a member of the Movement for Credible Elections, has urged for stringent measures against politicians who utilize public resources to finance their election campaigns. In a recent interview with ARISE News, Utomi emphasized the need for reform in Nigeria's electoral system, particularly with the 2027 elections approaching. He highlighted that control of state resources gives political parties a significant advantage, often leaving parties without access to government funds at a disadvantage.
According to Utomi, the use of public money for political campaigns is a form of "thievery" and "criminality." He argued that such practices undermine the integrity of the electoral process and called for politicians who engage in this to face criminal consequences, including jail time. Utomi's stance is centered on the belief that public resources should be used for the benefit of the people, not for securing political power.
Utomi identified a major challenge faced by opposition parties as the deployment of polling agents. Parties that cannot provide agents across all polling units nationwide are vulnerable to electoral malpractices, as they may not be able to verify the authenticity of results in areas where they are not present. This, he believes, puts them at a significant disadvantage.
To overcome these challenges, Utomi suggested that opposition groups could collaborate and share resources. He also stressed the importance of voter awareness, emphasizing that citizens need to understand the power of their votes and participate actively in elections. According to Utomi, increased voter participation can help prevent electoral malpractices.
Utomi also advocated for the use of technology to enhance election monitoring. He suggested the use of body cameras and live streaming from polling units to ensure transparency and accountability. This, he believes, can help in preventing electoral malpractices and ensuring that the will of the people is reflected in election results.
The issue of public fund misuse in elections is significant in Nigeria, given that most political parties without access to state resources struggle to compete effectively. Utomi described the current situation as a "tragedy of Nigerian politics," where the control of state resources determines a party's chances of success. He emphasized the need for a more equitable electoral environment.
Utomi's call for reform in Nigeria's electoral system is timely, given the upcoming 2027 elections. His suggestions, if implemented, could help level the playing field for all political parties and ensure that elections are conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner.
Key points
- Politicians using public funds for campaigns should face jail time.
- Opposition parties face significant challenges in elections due to limited resources.
- Technology can enhance election monitoring and transparency.
