By Tobiloba Ahmed
Sir: As the 2027 general elections gradually draw closer, it behooves on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the electorate trusts it to provide a credible, free, and fair election, and to gain the confidence of Nigerians by ensuring that vote buying, election rigging, and all forms of electoral malpractices and irregularity are eliminated.
As citizens march to the polls in 2027 to choose the candidates of their choice and who will represent them in government, it is pertinent to note that these citizens have the free will and power to influence the electoral process and come up with a scorecard to appraise political office holders and the various economic reforms of the present administration.
The challenges of governance and insincerity of our leaders have made Nigerian citizens to lose interest and withdraw from politics and political activities in our nation. To bring back this faith and trust, Nigerians want INEC and its incumbent chairman, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan’s resolve to change the narrative and act as agent of change in ensuring that citizens’ confidence is restored. Nigerians must put aside tribal and religious differences if we want a change in our democracy, and elect leaders based on merit, competence, and track record in the various capacities in which they have served and are presently serving.
The institution of our electoral system must protect the interests of citizens in such a way that their votes count, and also encourage the electorate to change their political ideology about participation, so that the belief in political apathy will be completely reversed and citizens can hold leaders accountable for the electoral promises they made before the election and while in office.
It is very important for the INEC chairman, Professor Ojo Amupitan, to understand that the critical role of his office is to bring lasting change that we desire as a nation, and restore the confidence of the electorate by ensuring that the 2027 election is free, fair, and credible. For me, this is where sincerity of purpose and accountability should come in, and I believe it can be achieved, only if INEC with its power will allow whoever has the majority of votes across the 36 states of the federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, to be declared the winner through the expressed will and choice of the citizens.
Having said that, I believe Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan has the opportunity to write his name in gold by ensuring that the 2027 general elections are free and fair. A typical example is India, which once experienced electoral malpractices and irregularities, but India’s journey from electoral malpractice to a more credible and trusted system is one of the most significant democratic improvements in the world. It shows how a country can move from widespread irregularities to a system that is largely respected through consistent reforms, strong institutions, and accountability.
In the early decades after independence, elections in India were not entirely free from manipulation. From the 1960s to the 1980s, the system faced serious problems such as booth capturing, ballot stuffing, voter intimidation, and the misuse of state power by ruling parties. These issues were more common in certain regions and gradually reduced public confidence in all elections. The situation became worse during The Emergency (India, 1975–1977) under Indira Gandhi, when democratic freedoms were restricted and opposition activities were limited, further weakening trust in the electoral process.
A major turning point came in the 1990s with the strengthening of the Election Commission of India, especially under the leadership of T. N. Seshan. During this period, the commission became more assertive and independent, enforcing electoral laws strictly and holding political actors accountable. This marked the beginning of a new era in India, and rules were no longer ignored without consequences.
Several key reforms played a crucial role in transforming India’s elections. The introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) replaced paper ballots, making it much harder to manipulate results through ballot stuffing or invalid votes. To further increase transparency, the system later included the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT), which allows voters to confirm that their votes were correctly recorded.
In addition, improvements in voter registration and the introduction of voter ID cards helped eliminate impersonation and multiple voting. The electoral process also became more transparent, with clear procedures for vote counting and result collation. Strict enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct ensured that political parties could not misuse government resources or engage in unfair campaign practices. Security measures were also strengthened. Elections began to be conducted in phases, allowing for the deployment of large numbers of security personnel to maintain order and prevent violence, especially in high-risk areas. This significantly reduced incidents of intimidation and booth capturing.
Judicial oversight further strengthened the system, while the Supreme Court of India played an important role in interpreting electoral laws, and disqualified candidates apparently involved in malpractice. It ensured that disputes were resolved peacefully through legal means, rather than conflict.
Another important factor was the role of the media and civil society. Independent media organisations helped to expose irregularities and kept the public informed, while civil society groups monitored elections and promoted transparency. At the same time, voter education campaigns encouraged citizens to participate actively and understand their rights, leading to higher voter turnout and greater public engagement.
Over time, these combined efforts produced significant results. Elections in India became more transparent, competitive, and widely accepted, with peaceful transfers of power between political parties becoming the norm. Although some challenges still exist—such as vote buying, the influence of money in politics, and misinformation. The overall system became stronger enough to manage these issues without undermining the credibility of elections.
India’s experience demonstrates that achieving free and fair elections is not a one-time event but a continuous process.
It requires strong independent institutions, effective use of technology, strict enforcement of rules, strong legal backing, and active citizen participation. Through these measures, India successfully transformed its electoral system into one that is now worthy of emulation and respected around the world. Through these we can learn and by God’s grace surpass the best practice from the world.
• Tobiloba Ahmed wrote from Lagos.
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