By Karen James
The former Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Anambra State, Dr. Nwachukwu Orji, has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Commission’s performance, declaring a vote of no confidence. Speaking at a one-day stakeholders’ dialogue organized by the International Press Center (IPC) in Awka, Dr. Orji criticized the growing trend of vote-buying and unprofessional conduct among INEC officials, which he says have eroded public trust in the electoral body.
Delivering a paper titled “Rebuilding Trust in the Electoral Processes and Institutions: Perspectives on the Role of Key Stakeholders,” Dr. Orji lamented the rapid decline in Nigeria’s electoral integrity, which he traces back to the 2015 general elections and worsening in 2023. He argued that the Commission’s lack of transparency, poor electoral awareness campaigns, and failure to engage relevant stakeholders have exacerbated the situation.
“Transparency and accountability are no longer INEC’s watchwords,” Dr. Orji remarked. “Nigerians have lost trust in the Commission due to its handling of elections and the unprofessional conduct of its officials. The INEC we trusted when democracy was restored in 1999 has lost its integrity.”
Dr. Orji urged INEC to prioritize collaboration with key stakeholders, including labor organizations, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), security agencies, and the media, to rebuild its credibility. He recommended systemic reforms, such as improving election result management, instituting independent election audits, and enhancing the prosecution of electoral offenders.
He also called on the National Assembly to revise the appointment process for INEC officials and ensure greater public accountability, particularly in campaign finance and pre-election dispute resolution.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of IPC, Mr. Lanre Arogundade, emphasized the dialogue’s goal of fostering collaboration among stakeholders to rebuild trust in electoral processes. He noted that the event aims to address the public’s negative perceptions of elections in Nigeria and prepare for upcoming electoral milestones, including the Anambra governorship election on November 8, 2025, and the 2027 general elections.
“This event is timely,” Arogundade said, “as it seeks to strengthen our electoral system through reforms and foster multi-sectoral partnerships to support INEC in delivering credible elections.”
The current Anambra REC, Dr. Queen Elizabeth Ugwu, assured participants that INEC is committed to conducting the forthcoming Anambra South Senatorial District bye-election and the 2025 governorship election transparently. She encouraged IPC to extend the dialogue to local government areas nationwide to deepen public engagement.
The dialogue, sponsored by the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN), attracted a diverse audience, including representatives from INEC, security agencies, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organizations, women’s groups, labor unions, and the media.
The event underscores the urgent need for reforms to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process as the nation prepares for future elections.
