A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has leveled serious accusations against the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging extensive manipulation in the recently concluded Edo State governorship election. The coalition has called for the immediate removal of INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, citing breaches of democratic principles and integrity during the September 21 election.
The coalition, composed of INEC-accredited observer groups, held a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, the same day that the newly elected Edo governor, Monday Okpebholo, took his oath of office. In a powerful statement, the CSOs condemned INEC’s handling of the election, accusing the commission of collaborating with security forces to manipulate results in favor of certain candidates. The coalition asserts that such actions undermine democracy and that evidence of alleged misconduct is irrefutable.
Victor Kalu, Convener of the coalition and head of the Centre for Development and Transformation Initiative, presented what he called “incontrovertible evidence” of tampering, which includes certified documents from INEC. “Our findings show that the election results announced by INEC were far from a free and transparent process,” Kalu stated. He went on to urge the judiciary to remember its responsibility as the last hope for democracy in Nigeria, calling for justice to be visibly served in Edo. “If left unaddressed, this sets a dangerous precedent that threatens democracy itself in Nigeria,” he warned.
The coalition’s appeal to the judiciary was accompanied by a demand for a complete review of the electoral process in Edo, labeling the election a “charade.” Coalition members pledged to maintain public scrutiny over the judicial review process to prevent political interference and ensure accountability for those allegedly involved in election fraud.
Friday Emeh of the Global Development Center for Rescue Mission added that the coalition’s call for Yakubu’s dismissal stems from his perceived inability to restore public trust in INEC. “President Tinubu, who once defended democracy during his NADECO years, understands the danger posed by a lack of confidence in the electoral system,” Emeh stated.
The coalition also presented recommendations for INEC reforms to prevent similar controversies in future elections. Among the proposed changes are restructuring INEC’s appointment process by involving the National Judicial Council, National Council of State, and the Senate. Drawing from the Uwais Panel Report, the coalition suggested measures to secure INEC’s financial and operational independence and reinforce transparency at polling units. They advocate for the expanded use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which transmits results directly from polling locations, to counter manipulation at central collation points.
Warning of potential instability if electoral malpractice remains unchecked, the coalition emphasized the risk of diminishing public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic system. Rasheed Shuibu of the Northern Socio-Cultural Development Initiative cautioned that if INEC’s credibility continues to erode, disenfranchised voters might resort to “self-help,” leading to unrest reminiscent of recent crises in other parts of West Africa.
Representatives from a broad array of civil society organizations, including youth, women’s, and regional advocacy groups, joined in the appeal for electoral accountability. Notable among them were Peter Nwokolo of the Citizen Rights and Leadership Awareness Initiative, Ali Abacha of the Northern Patriotic Front, and Martha James of the Great Light Women Empowerment Initiative.
Martha James asserted the coalition’s commitment to democratic values, declaring, “As civil society, we are here to strengthen democratic values. We want to ensure that the rights of Nigerian citizens are protected, not trampled upon by electoral malfeasance.” The coalition vowed to continue pressing for transparency and accountability, stressing that the future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on it.