Abuja, Nigeria – The All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties have expressed support for the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) proposed reforms, which include phasing out Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and introducing diaspora voting.
INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, announced the proposed changes last Thursday, stating that the reforms aim to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral process based on lessons learned from the 2023 general elections and subsequent off-cycle polls. Yakubu revealed that the commission plans to present these proposals to relevant Senate and House of Representatives committees soon.
APC Supports INEC Reforms
The APC welcomed the proposed reforms, describing them as a positive step toward improving the credibility of elections. Speaking to The PUNCH on Sunday, the National Publicity Director of the APC, Bala Ibrahim, said the party supports any changes that enhance electoral integrity and reflect the will of the people.
“If, in its wisdom, after consultation and seeing what is happening in other places, INEC feels there is a need to introduce some changes that will enhance and add to the credibility of the electoral process, so be it,” Ibrahim said.
He dismissed concerns that Nigerians might reject the proposals, noting that skepticism often accompanies reforms in the country. “Nigeria is a very complex country to govern. No matter what you do, as long as you are introducing changes, there are people who will come with skepticism and doubt. But what matters is the feeling of the majority,” he added.
Labour Party Seeks Sincerity and Caution
The Labour Party also supported the introduction of diaspora voting, noting that it could give Nigerians living abroad a chance to participate in the electoral process. However, the party expressed concerns about potential abuse.
National Legal Adviser of the Labour Party, Kehinde Edun, stated, “There will be fear of abuse. Many people have been advocating diaspora voting, and it is a positive thing. For instance, most of our young people are leaving the country in droves. It is fair to give them an opportunity to participate.”
On the proposal to phase out PVCs, Edun stressed the importance of deploying reliable technology and restoring public trust in the electoral system. “Even with PVCs, there are cases of party agents buying and stockpiling them. Everything is about sincerity. INEC should make efforts to make Nigerians believe in them,” he said.
PDP Calls for Implementation and Integrity
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also expressed cautious optimism, emphasizing that the success of any reform hinges on effective implementation and the integrity of those managing the process.
In an interview with The PUNCH, PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, urged INEC to address internal corruption and ensure its staff meet high ethical standards. “Innovations and technologies are very good, but only if they are genuinely not manipulated by the same INEC and its officers,” he said.
Osadolor cited alleged irregularities during elections in Edo State as evidence of the need for reform. “It’s not about the innovation itself; it’s about the people responsible for managing these technologies. INEC should purge itself of bad characters,” he added.
INEC Faces Public Skepticism
The proposed reforms come amid widespread disillusionment with Nigeria’s electoral system, as evidenced by low voter turnout in recent elections. Stakeholders agree that restoring public confidence in INEC is crucial for the success of the proposed changes.
INEC is expected to engage with lawmakers and other stakeholders as it moves to implement these reforms aimed at improving transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency in the electoral process.
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