The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, Sam Amadi, has asserted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the major problem with elections in Nigeria.
Amadi asserted this in a post via his office X handle on Wednesday.
He urged the country’s opposition parties to come together and demand a quick constitutional end to INEC in Nigeria.
Amadi described as foolishness the belief of opposition political parties that INEC would help them rig the next elections.
Amadi wrote: “The real problem with elections in Nigeria is @inecnigeria.
“Why can’t opposition politicians come together and demand quick constitutional amendment to end INEC and create a new body appointed as Uwais recommended? Why?
“They believe INEC will rig for them next time? Foolishness.”
Naija News reports that Amadi’s submission arises in the context of accusations against INEC for failing to guarantee a free and fair election during the recently concluded governorship election in Edo State.
Allegations have surfaced regarding vote-buying and claims that INEC officials collaborated with politicians to manipulate the results of the election held last Saturday.
Amadi had earlier raised concerns over the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, asserting that any individual aspiring to the presidency in 2027 without addressing the shortcomings of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is not serious about their ambitions.
Amadi’s remarks followed the declaration of Monday Okpebholo of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the Edo State governorship election winner by INEC.
He expressed his views on X, stating, “Anyone thinking of being the President of Nigeria in 2027 and not thinking of disbanding this @inecnigeria is not serious.”
The statement resonates with the sentiments expressed by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has rejected the results of the Edo election.
Tony Iyoha, the PDP’s state collation agent, alleged that results from the Oredo and Ikpoba-Okha local councils were deliberately delayed in manipulating the final figures.
Amadi, who previously served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), had emphasized at the time that the ongoing issues within INEC must be addressed for a fair electoral process.
He criticized both Atiku Abubakar of the PDP and Peter Obi of the Labour Party for failing to take action to reform the structures and culture surrounding election management.