By Jude Opara
A former National Chairman of the Inter Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Peter Ameh has urged the United States not to only focus attention on events that will happen on Election Day, but to equally monitor pre-election activities of the federal government and the political parties.
Ameh in a statement on Thursday welcomed the resolution of the American government to monitor the election, but added that such would represent a significant development in international engagement with Nigeria’s democratic process.
He said while the announcement to monitor the election is welcome, its ultimate value will depend on whether it translates into sustained, concrete action rather than remaining at the level of media statements or weak diplomatic gestures.
“For such international monitoring to produce positive outcomes and contribute meaningfully to credible polls, it must go beyond election-day observation. The pre-election environment demands close and consistent scrutiny.
“Of particular concern are reported oppressive actions by the executive branch and its proxies that undermine the freedom of opposition parties to organize, express views, and participate fully in the political process. Any monitoring effort that fails to address these foundational issues in the lead-up to the elections risks being ineffective and may inadvertently legitimize flawed processes.
“The survival and deepening of Nigeria’s democratic system hinge on peaceful, free, and fair elections whose outcomes genuinely reflect the will of citizens expressed through the ballot”.
The chieftain of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) further argued that the goal of a credible election can only be achieved through persistent, transparent monitoring of the entire electoral cycle while fully respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty.
“Nigeria’s democracy must be strengthened by Nigerians, but international actors with significant influence have a legitimate role in shining a light on the process and discouraging actions that erode democratic norms.
“The United States possesses enormous global influence and the capacity to support credible elections when it acts with sincerity of purpose. It should be clear by now that the current administration in Nigeria has shown little willingness to allow opposition political parties a free hand without interference.
“Therefore, the U.S. and other international partners must begin now, well ahead of 2027 to consistently and firmly air their concerns, engage Nigerian stakeholders, and apply diplomatic pressure where necessary. Actions taken (or omitted) in the months and years leading to the election will have far-reaching consequences on polling day itself”.
Ameh equally stated that credible elections in Nigeria are not only in the interest of Nigerians because it will also contribute to regional stability and the credibility of democratic governance in Africa.
“We urge the United States to move beyond declarations and commit to a robust, sustained, and principled engagement that prioritizes the integrity of the democratic process throughout the electoral timeline”, he concluded.
