By Dr. Laz Ude Eze
Over the past couple of weeks, there has been heightened public discussions on the amendment of the Electoral Act 2022. This is not unexpected given the utter disappointment and substantial loss of trust in the ability of INEC to conduct credible elections.
I was an active participant in the 2023 electoral process. I was actively involved in the advocacy for the passage of the 2022 Electoral Act, marched on Abuja streets with the late Ariyo Dare-Atoye and civil society groups. Statements and the body language of INEC inspired hope and it encouraged many young people to register and collect their permanent voter’s cards.
Furthermore, I was a party delegate and voted in primary elections that elected candidates for House of Assembly, House of Representatives, Senate and Governorship election. I also served as a member of a Think Tank and Director in a Governorship Campaign Organisation. While playing these roles, I saw many first-time voters who were excited to exercise their right of franchise. I felt the optimism among civil society leaders who had a sense of fulfilment that their advocacy for credible elections which failed in 2019 could succeed in 2023. Nigerians believed that their vote would finally count.
But the “technical glitch” tragedy of 25th February 2023 happened. INEC deliberately sabotaged itself in an utterly shameless and disgusting manner. Young people were traumatised. Many first-time voters told me that they would never vote again. Many young people relocated to other countries in anger. To them, Nigeria has become irredeemable. The approval rating or public trust in the capacity of INEC to organise a credible election is arguably all time low while voter apathy increases. This is dangerous for our democracy. The soul of democracy is the ballot and no democracy survives when citizens reject the ballot.
The inclusion of electronic transmission of results from polling units in the electoral act amendment, among other progressive clauses, appears to offer a glimmer of hope. It would give a signal that we are ready to correct the mistakes of the past. It will help to minimise tension and electoral violence.
I’m aware of the argument that lack of internet or telecommunications network overage would be a barrier to electronic transmission of results. It is not true. As a public health worker, we use multiple mobile applications for health data collection even in the most remote settlements in Nigeria. The data are tracked, downloaded and analysed real time in state capitals and Abuja. There’s really no better alternative to making a legislation that eliminates fraudulent practices at collation centres.
At this point, it’s not about political games or pushing selfish interests. It’s about saving our democracy and the soul of our beloved country. The National Assembly is the institutional face of our democracy and often the major casualty whenever democracy collapses. The Senate has a duty to meet the legitimate demands of the people of Nigeria, like the House of Representatives did, and save our democracy, save itself, and save our country. President Tinubu also has a responsibility to give assent to the amendments when the bill is transmitted to him. The time for action is now, we, the people can’t wait!
Dr. Laz Ude Eze
An active citizen of Nigeria writes from Abuja.
10th February 2026.
donlaz4u@gmail.com