A member of the Movement for Credible Elections, Prof. Pat Utomi, has expressed concerns over the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) restrictions on devices at polling units. He stated that if INEC does not allow people to bring devices that can make elections more transparent, Nigerians may have no choice but to take over their country. Utomi made these comments during an interview on Arise News.
Utomi pointed out that in countries like the United Kingdom and the United States, people hardly know who the chair of the electoral commission is, as results are reported by the media monitoring the elections. He emphasized that INEC's restrictions would undermine the transparency of the electoral process. Utomi advocated for the use of body cameras and live streams from every polling booth in the country during elections.
According to Utomi, allowing technological equipment at polling stations would enable live updates and make the electoral process more transparent. He described INEC's restrictions as "criminal" and stated that it would mean that the commission is acting against the principles of transparency. Utomi also criticized the current electoral process, citing the issue of party agents and the vulnerability of results to manipulation.
Utomi highlighted the need for opposition parties to collaborate and ensure that people's votes count. He noted that if people become aware that their votes can count and they come out to vote, it's not the 300,000 Nigerian police force that can prevent the people's will from taking place. Utomi emphasized the importance of getting people to know that they can share resources and make their voices heard.
The Movement for Credible Elections member also criticized the current practice of politicians spending public money to run for office, describing it as "thievery" and "criminality." He expressed his intention to prosecute this issue in the international community someday. Utomi's comments come ahead of the 2027 presidential election, which is expected to feature several top contenders.
The incumbent President, Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), are among those vying for the presidency. Utomi's call for a more transparent electoral process is seen as a crucial step towards ensuring the credibility of the 2027 election.
Utomi's warning to INEC and the Nigerian government comes as citizens continue to demand more transparency and accountability in the electoral process. With the 2027 election approaching, stakeholders are emphasizing the need for reforms that will ensure a free, fair, and transparent election.
Key points
- Prof Utomi advocates for the use of body cameras and live streams from every polling booth.
- INEC's restrictions on devices at polling units undermine the transparency of the electoral process.
- Utomi criticizes the current practice of politicians spending public money to run for office.
