INEC Must Prove Its Independence Ahead of 2027 — Ijebor

By Okpashi Odama

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Engr. Anselm Ijebor, has expressed concerns over the independence and readiness of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to conduct credible, fair, dependable and peaceful elections in 2027.

This is even as he urged INEC and security agencies to ensure a fair and peaceful election in the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The PDP chieftain, who expressed his views on the readiness of the nation’s electoral umpire during an interview with journalists in Abuja, said, with deep apprehension and concern over the inconsistencies shown so far by INEC, the Osun election presented another opportunity for the commission to prove its independence and ability to conduct credible elections in 2027.
According to the outspoken politician, the startling thuggery and electoral malfeasance that marred recent by-elections in some states have heightened Nigerians’ fears that the 2027 elections may turn out to be the most awful in the nation’s history, given the proclivity of some politicians to win at all costs and subvert the will of the people.
“INEC has a lot of ground to cover. It has become increasingly clear that the electoral umpire is, to some extent, impotent, so Nigerians must strive to ensure that the 2027 election is protected.”
While calling for the strengthening of the Electoral Act, Ijebor commended the resilience of Nigerian voters, even as they remain concerned about recurring violence, vote-buying and systemic weaknesses, which have remained some of the most challenging issues in the nation’s electoral processes.
“For Nigeria to be taken seriously as the true giant of Africa, INEC and the security agencies must prove that our democracy can guarantee peace, fairness and credible elections. Democracy loses its meaning when citizens fear for their lives at polling units. Manipulations take the centre stage, and corruption is institutionalised.
“The menace of electoral violence is a scar on Nigeria’s democratic journey. Remedies and punishments must be practical, enforceable and just,” Ijebor warned.
He said the world expects Nigeria to lead Africa with credibility and democratic values, and not only with its population and economy, stressing that until electoral violence is curbed, the nation’s democracy will remain fragile and its global reputation compromised.
“The Electoral Act should be fortified to close loopholes that allow manipulation and violence. Technology should be fully deployed and protected from sabotage.”
The PDP chieftain suggested that security agencies must be apolitical, proactive and accountable, adding that election duty must not be a platform for compromise but for professionalism.
He stressed that citizens must be continuously educated that elections are contests of ideas, not wars, stating that violence erodes legitimacy and breeds instability.
Ijebor also tasked traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society organisations to rise against the culture of thuggery and political violence, saying a violent election “is a poisoned foundation for governance.”