In a pivotal virtual gathering on August 29, 2024, the Electoral Forum convened its Twelfth Technical Session to address critical challenges in Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
Chaired by Professor Adebayo Olukoshi, the high-level meeting delved into recent judicial decisions and their far-reaching implications for the nation’s democratic processes.
Professor Olukoshi set the tone for the discussions, stating, “Our aim today is to dissect recent Supreme Court verdicts and their impact on our electoral system, while also examining the broader implications for governance at all levels.”
The Electoral Forum, an initiative of The Electoral Hub, has been playing a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s electoral landscape.
The gathering brought together key stakeholders to address the unique challenges facing the nation’s democratic processes.
The forum scrutinized the Supreme Court’s rulings on the Imo, Kogi, and Bayelsa governorship elections, noting the judiciary’s increasing role in shaping electoral outcomes. A forum member remarked, “The legal threshold for proving substantial non-compliance remains a formidable hurdle for petitioners, often making it nearly impossible to overturn questionable results.”
The recent judgment on direct funding to Local Government Areas (LGAs) emerged as a focal point. “This landmark decision marks a seismic shift in our fiscal federalism,” noted a participant. “While it aims to bolster local governance, it also presents unprecedented challenges, with some states potentially facing up to 77% reduction in their allocations.”
Discussions centered on the potential expanded role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in local elections. “INEC must provide robust guidance and support to State Independent Electoral Commissions to elevate the quality of local elections,” urged one contributor.
The forum welcomed the new leadership in the Supreme Court, calling for merit-based appointments and enhanced judicial independence.
“Clear guidelines for adjudicating electoral disputes are imperative,” emphasized a judicial expert present at the meeting.
Addressing persistent electoral challenges, a forum member stated, “We must enforce stricter oversight and adherence to electoral rules to curb violations and issues with result collation and announcement.”
The inseparable link between democracy and development was a recurring theme.
“For our democracy to be meaningful, it must deliver tangible developmental outcomes for Nigerian citizens,” said a participant.
Following extensive deliberations, the forum proposed a comprehensive set of recommendations, including:
Strengthening the independence of State Independent Electoral Commissions
Implementing transparent mechanisms for LGA funding
Exploring a mixed electoral system
Professor Olukoshi stated, “These recommendations represent our collective vision for a more robust and responsive electoral system in Nigeria. It’s now imperative that we work towards their implementation.”
