- Samson Itodo urged for a law ensuring electoral disputes are resolved before officials are sworn in, emphasizing the need for reforms
- He highlighted the impact of vote-buying in the 2024 elections and called for President Tinubu to prioritize electoral reform efforts
Samson Itodo, the Executive Director of Yiaga Africa, has urged introducing a law ensuring that all electoral disputes are resolved before elected officials are sworn in.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Itodo highlighted the critical need for comprehensive electoral reforms. He noted that vote-buying significantly marred the 2024 elections, calling it one of the darkest aspects of the process.
Itodo also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize and articulate his electoral reform agenda. He emphasized that with February marking the midterm of the current administration, it is essential for the president to act swiftly on electoral reforms.
He outlined four key areas for youth participation during the upcoming electoral reform conference. First, he encouraged them to demand a clear electoral reform plan from the president.
Second, Itodo stressed the importance of legalizing the electronic transmission of election results. He pointed out that manual collation and transmission remain the standard but should work alongside electronic systems to strengthen credibility.
He added that legal safeguards for using the Independent Results Viewing Portal (IReV) would enhance transparency and trust.
Third, Itodo emphasized the need to conclude electoral disputes before swearing-in ceremonies. Resolving these issues early, he said, would prevent distractions and avoid the ripple effects of prolonged conflicts.
Finally, he called for efforts to strengthen the capacity of the electoral commission, ensuring that it can effectively manage future elections.
According to Itodo, these reforms will not only enhance transparency but also foster trust in Nigeria’s electoral process.
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