The Partnership for Advocacy in Anti-Corruption and Accountability (PAACA) has criticized Nigerian political parties for failing to leverage innovations introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to improve the credibility of elections. Naija247news gathered that the group made the observation during a stakeholders’ forum in Abuja on Thursday, where it highlighted the disconnect between INEC’s efforts and the actions of political actors.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, PAACA’s Executive Director, Dr. Nkem Okeke, expressed disappointment that political parties have not fully utilized tools such as the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), and other technological advancements designed to enhance transparency and fairness in elections.
Naija247news understands that INEC has invested heavily in these innovations to address longstanding issues such as voter fraud, result manipulation, and logistical challenges. However, PAACA noted that political parties have often resisted or undermined these efforts, either through legal challenges, misinformation, or outright non-compliance during elections.
According to Naija247news, Dr. Okeke cited the 2023 general elections as an example, where some political parties and candidates allegedly attempted to bypass INEC’s systems, leading to controversies and court cases. “It is disheartening that while INEC is working to improve the electoral process, some political actors are more interested in exploiting loopholes for their benefit,” he said.
Naija247news reports that PAACA has called on political parties to embrace INEC’s innovations and work collaboratively to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. The group also urged civil society organizations and the media to hold political actors accountable and educate the public on the importance of these technological tools.
According to Naija247news, INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has repeatedly emphasized the commission’s commitment to credible elections but acknowledged that the success of its initiatives depends on the cooperation of all stakeholders. “We cannot do it alone. Political parties, candidates, and voters must play their part to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections,” he stated during a recent briefing.
Naija247news gathered that PAACA’s criticism has sparked reactions from political parties, with some defending their actions and others pledging to work more closely with INEC. The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) both issued statements acknowledging the need for improved collaboration but blamed each other for past electoral malpractices.
As the 2027 general elections approach, Naija247news will continue to monitor the relationship between INEC and political parties. The credibility of Nigeria’s elections remains a critical issue, and stakeholders must work together to ensure that INEC’s innovations achieve their intended purpose.
