INEC and the challenges of Nigeria’s democratic journey

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, is the body responsible for organizing and supervising elections in Nigeria. Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, INEC has played a vital role in sustaining democracy, ensuring electoral credibility, and promoting political participation.

This electoral body has been headed by the following Chairmen since the beginning of Nigeria’s fourth Republic in 1999:

Chief Ephraim Omoruyi Akpata chaired the commission between

1998 – 2000, Dr Abel Guobadia held sway at the commission between

2000 – 2005, Prof Maurice Iwu took charge of the electoral body staying between 2005 – 2010, Professor Attahiru Jega (2010 and  2015), Mrs Amina Zakari, who was then a National Commissioner with INEC, headed the commission in acting capacity in 2015 before the coming on board of Prof Mahmood Yakubu, a professor of History and International Relations, who was first appointed as Chairman in

2015 and got reappointed in 2020 for a second term. Yakubu, who was previously the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Fund (TedFund), before his appointment remains the longest serving National Chairman of the electoral body. Upon the expiration of his tenure in 2025, Prof May Agbamuche, a professor of Law and the most senior National Commissioner with INEC chaired the commission in acting capacity before the appointment of the incumbent National Commissioner, Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN), who was a Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, Plateau State. He was appointed as the Chairman of the commission by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu last year.

Chief Ephraim Akpata supervised the transition from military rule to democracy and conducted the 1999 general elections that ushered in the then President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a retired Army General and erstwhile Head of State of Nigeria between 1976 and 1979.

On his part,  High Chief Abel Guobadia conducted the 2003 general elections, during which Obasanjo was re-elected for a second term in office between 2003 and 2007.

Maurice Iwu, a professor of Pharmaceutical Studies, conducted  the 2007 general elections that brought Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, an erstwhile Governor of Katsina State and former Chemistry Teacher in Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU, Zaria) into office.

Although, the leadership of Professor Iwu, introduced some reforms in INEC ‘s voter registration, the 2007 general elections, nonetheless, it still attracted some criticisms.

The administration of Professor Attahiru Jega (2010–2015) introduced the biometric voter registration and Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) into the nation’s electoral system. He conducted the 2015 general elections that brought former President Muhammadu Buhari, another retired Army General and erstwhile Head of State between 1983 and 1985, into office as President.

On his part, Prof Mahmood Yakubu conducted the 2019 and 2023 general elections. His regime

expanded technology use in elections, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission initiatives.

At the end of his (Yakubu’s),second term in office, Professor Joash Amupitan stepped into  the office after his appointment by President Tinubu and the subsequent screening and confirmation  of same by the National Assembly (Senate).

Since 1999, INEC has had seven heads (including one acting chairperson). Their leadership has shaped Nigeria’s electoral process through democratic transitions, voter registration reforms, electronic voting innovations, and the conduct of general elections. Since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, INEC has played a vital role in sustaining democracy, ensuring electoral credibility, and promoting political participation.

One of its (INEC’s) primary responsibilities since 1999 has been the organization and conduct of elections at the federal, state, and local levels. The commission conducts presidential, governorship, National Assembly, State House of Assembly, and Area Council Elections in Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Through these activities, INEC has ensured the periodic transfer of political power through democratic means.

The commission is responsible for registering eligible voters and maintaining the national voter register. Since 1999, the commission has introduced continuous voter registration exercises and improved voter databases to reduce irregularities and increase citizens’ participation in elections.

The commission registers political parties and monitors their activities to ensure compliance with electoral laws. Since 1999, INEC has overseen the registration and deregistration of political parties based on constitutional and legal requirements, thereby promoting an organized political system.

The electoral umpire has introduced several reforms aimed at improving the credibility of elections in the country. Notable among these innovations include the introduction of the Permanent Voter Card (PVC), Smart Card Readers, and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS). These technologies have helped to reduce electoral fraud, multiple voting, and voter impersonation.

The commission conducts voter education campaigns to enlighten citizens about their electoral rights and responsibilities. Through workshops, media campaigns, and collaborations with civil society organizations, INEC has encouraged greater voter participation and democratic awareness.

INEC is empowered to review and define electoral constituencies to ensure fair representation. Although this function has faced challenges due to population changes and political sensitivities, it remains an important aspect of the commission’s mandate.

The commission supervises electoral activities, including candidate nominations, campaign regulations, voting procedures, vote counting, and result declaration. This helps to ensure that elections are conducted in accordance with the law and democratic principles.

Since 1999, INEC has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s democratic consolidation. The successful conduct of multiple general elections and peaceful transfers of power, particularly the historic 2015 presidential election, has strengthened public confidence in democratic governance.

Despite its achievements, INEC has encountered some challenges. These include: Electoral violence and insecurity,

allegations of electoral malpractice and vote buying, logistical difficulties in remote areas and

technical failures during some elections.

These challenges similarly include political interference and pressure from stakeholders as well as low voter turnout in certain elections.

Generally speaking, there has never been any election conducted by the commission that was not contested and challenged by the losers of such election.

In 1999, for instance, Chief Olu Falae of the the Alliance for Democracy (AD), who was the leading opponent in the election that brought Obasanjo into office, was hotly contested and  challenged, up to the apex court in the land, the supreme Court. Ditto for the other subsequent elections both at the federal and state levels.

Is it really possible for losers in any election to simply accept the outcome of such election and go back to the drawing board without resorting to litigation? When Will politicians start conceding defeat when they lose? Will there ever be a time that the nation’s election will become seamless and it’s outcome generally acceptable to politicians especially those at the losing end? Time will tell.