Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, Samson Itodo, has raised concerns over what he described as the growing public distrust in Nigeria’s electoral process, warning that the 2027 general elections risk being the most compromised in the country’s history if urgent reforms are not undertaken.
Speaking in an interview monitored on Politics Today on Channels TV, Itodo stressed that the impending transition at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as Professor Mahmood Yakubu’s tenure draws to a close, is a critical moment that must be handled with statesmanship.
He said: “This is very significant because you are going to have a relatively new electoral commission that will manage the 2027 elections. If it is not managed carefully, the next elections could be jeopardized because citizens already do not trust INEC.”
According to him, while Yakubu will be remembered for introducing reforms such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV), and the local production of ballot papers and result sheets, these achievements have been overshadowed by allegations of electoral fraud, institutional sabotage, and declining public trust.
Itodo argued that political interference has undermined reforms, with partisan appointments into INEC weakening confidence in the commission. He noted: “One of the bad legacies of former President Buhari was appointing individuals with partisan interests. President Tinubu, when given the opportunity, also retained some Resident Electoral Commissioners who were known campaign actors or political cronies.”
He emphasized that the appointment of the next INEC chairman and national commissioners must go beyond the constitutional requirements of non-partisanship and integrity.
Instead, nominees should be individuals of impeccable character, free from any past or present political affiliations, and courageous enough to withstand political pressure.
Itodo further warned against incompetence within the commission, citing inconsistencies in the conduct of recent elections.
He urged President Tinubu and the National Assembly to adopt a transparent and participatory appointment process, including publishing nominees’ names, calling for public memoranda, and ensuring Senate screenings are open and televised.
“This is a golden opportunity for the president and the Senate to rebuild trust in the electoral process. In weak democracies, political elites often see INEC transitions as an opportunity to capture the system. We cannot afford that ahead of 2027,” he said.
Yiaga Africa, in its 2025 electoral integrity report, projected that the 2027 elections risk becoming the most expensive and compromised in Nigeria’s history unless leadership and credibility issues at INEC are urgently addressed.