Management coach and political activist, Adetokunbo Olufela Durotoye, has accused the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) of being the main obstacle to democracy in Nigeria.
He alleged that the electoral physique intentionally suppresses voters to shield the political institution.
Durotoye made the declare throughout an interview on The Change Podcast, hosted by Olufemi Soneye.
In accordance to him, INEC has turn into essentially the most irritating collaborator with these in energy, utilizing administrative procedures to stop Nigerians from freely collaborating in elections.
Durotoye mentioned INEC, not simply politicians, stays the biggest barrier to democracy, arguing that the electoral system is intentionally structured to frustrate voters.
He particularly criticised the continued use of the Everlasting Voter’s Card (PVC), arguing that it’s not vital in an age of superior know-how.
“There isn’t a technical purpose to insist on bodily voter playing cards when INEC already has our biometrics, fingerprints, and facial information. The PVC is getting used to restrict turnout, not to shield the vote.”
Durotoye additionally faulted the voter registration course of, describing it as gradual, inefficient, and unfriendly, particularly to younger Nigerians who’re keen to take part in elections.
He mentioned these challenges have an effect on non-institution voters essentially the most, whom he described as the actual menace to entrenched political pursuits.
“The individuals being blocked are these outdoors the institution. These are those they worry.”
The management coach additional raised issues in regards to the lack of accountability inside INEC, noting that officers accused of electoral misconduct are not often punished as people.
“There’s a company defend round INEC. Till individuals are personally prosecuted and despatched to jail for compromising elections, nothing will change.”
He additionally spoke on the rising dominance of political elites, warning that Nigeria is drifting in the direction of a one-occasion system due to mass defections by politicians.
In accordance to him, whereas political selections have turn into clearer, governance has suffered.
Durotoye warned that mass defections by political elites are pushing Nigeria towards a one-occasion system, leaving voters with fewer significant selections and weakening accountability.
He maintained that regardless of these obstacles, current elections have demystified the political elite and proven that institution energy isn’t invincible.
Durotoye predicted {that a} rising residents’ motion, pushed by beforehand non-voting Nigerians, would ultimately overwhelm even essentially the most compromised programs.
“Regardless that authorities establishments could resist change, sustained civic engagement and mass participation will make it more durable to proceed manipulating elections,” he mentioned.
