October 7, 2025 – Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, has called for greater accountability for INEC officials, stressing that those who violate electoral laws must face prosecution to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic process and restore public confidence in the electoral system.
The governor, who is a former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) chief, made the call during a virtual address at the Athena Centre’s Review of INEC’s Innovation in Electoral Technology (2015–2025), held in Abuja. The event, themed “A Balanced Assessment of Progress, Gaps and Opportunity,” was organised by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership to evaluate the commission’s technological journey in election management.
Soludo noted that while the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had made commendable progress in deploying technology to improve credibility, some officials continued to undermine the process through unlawful declarations and manipulation of results. He argued that protecting such individuals from accountability would only erode public trust and damage the credibility of elections.
“My idea is simple. During elections, you should not need to know any security agents or election officers,” Soludo said. “The political parties themselves must be eternally vigilant. We’ve made progress, but we can achieve much more and faster.”
The governor also faulted proposals seeking to limit INEC’s powers to review election results that were unlawfully declared, describing such attempts as retrogressive.
“I think that is where the problem lies,” he stated. “Why would INEC seek an amendment limiting its capacity to review results declared unlawfully? Transparency and accountability must remain central to the process.”
Soludo reiterated that building a robust democracy required sustained improvement, institutional integrity, and constant vigilance by all political actors.
Also speaking at the event, Rauf Aregbesola, National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), urged Nigerians to push for a new political direction that prioritises integrity, competence, and visionary leadership.
“We need an environment that allows visionary and honest individuals to contest and win elections,” Aregbesola said. “Nigeria is the hope of the black race. If this country fails, God forbid, it will be a huge setback for Africa.”
He lamented that corrupt party structures and political godfathers continued to discourage credible candidates from participating in elections, adding that reforms were needed to make democracy truly representative of the people’s will.
On his part, Mr. Osita Chidoka, Chancellor of the Athena Centre, said despite the introduction of technology by INEC, the judiciary remains the greatest obstacle to electoral progress in Nigeria.
“The greatest challenge is the judiciary,” Chidoka declared. “They keep reversing the progress we have made through technology. Their job is to ensure compliance. Where there is none, the election should simply be redone.”
Chidoka disclosed that the Athena Centre would soon host a forum to educate judicial officers on the electoral process, aimed at fostering better understanding of election technology and its role in democratic governance.
Responding to the concerns raised, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, represented by Prof. Abdullahi Zuru, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to credible and transparent elections.
“INEC is committed to using technology to improve elections and ensure integrity in the process,” Yakubu said. “By engaging with stakeholders and addressing challenges, we aim to ensure that future elections are free, fair, and transparent.”
Yakubu acknowledged the difficulties encountered in previous elections but assured that the Commission was implementing necessary reforms and would continue to work with civil society groups, political parties, and citizens to consolidate Nigeria’s democratic gains.
The forum concluded with a call for joint responsibility among all electoral stakeholders – including INEC, the judiciary, political parties, and security agencies – to strengthen democratic governance and uphold the sanctity of the ballot box in Nigeria. GMTNewsng
