BY BOLAJI AFOLABI
Without sounding like a broken record, the multi-layered and multi-dimensional problems associated with the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) have been robustly highlighted, and apprised in different ways by many people. This avalanche of vilification was, in some cases deliberate and intentional. To some people, the electoral body can be described as a big clog in the wheels of true, and realistic democracy in the country. Some others find it unfathomable that, a country, rightly described as the giant of the black world finds it difficult to have free, fair, and credible elections. When the off-circle election for Anambra governorship were approaching, people expressed doubts about INEC organizing credible elections. Politicians, parties, civil society, the media, and other stakeholders unanimously registered their worries about the preparedness of the electoral body.
Barely weeks before the Anambra election, Prof. Joash Amupitan, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, (SAN), university administrator, and a legal luminary was appointed as the new chief executive of INEC. He replaced Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, who was pilloried by many people. Given Amupitan’s impeccable, and somewhat intimidating credentials, his choice elicited broad-based acceptance and commendations. Conscious of the negative image of the electoral body, many people wondered what magic Amupitan will perform. Anyways, it was postulated that the Anambra election will serve as his litmus test and baptism of fire. Many critical stakeholders reasoned that it may not be fair to assess him on an election that was a few days away when he took over at the electoral body. 
Aware of the not-too encouraging ratings of INEC by Nigerians, Amupitan, was said to have taken the Anambra election as an opportunity for redress. A few hours after oath-taking at the State House, he was said to have gone into marathon meetings with different categories of staff members. For him, the election, which was days away, should be given every necessary seriousness to extract some measures of believability from the people. Perhaps, the outcomes of all the engagements and interactions with the key players in INEC may have informed Amupitan’s words of admonition, at various platforms. Days preceding the elections, he was optimistic about INEC’s preparedness, and assurances of better performances. He pledged that they are, “committed to ensuring that every valid vote counts, and that the process remains credible, transparent, and peaceful.” However, many people were apprehensive, and wondered if the numerous challenges of INEC can be addressed in one election.
The election took place in Anambra state as planned. A day after, Prof. Charles Soludo, the incumbent Governor, and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, (APGA) was declared winner of the almost one-sided election. According to the Returning Officer, Prof. Edoba Omoregie who is the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Soludo polled 422,664 votes, which more than doubled the total votes of other candidates put together. The All Progressives Congress, (APC); Young Peoples Party, (YPP); Labour Party, (LP); and African Democratic Congress, (ADC) polled 99,445; 37,753; 10,576; 8,208 respectively. Soludo, aside from having the highest number of votes, scored two thirds or more in the entire 21 LGAs; which is a constitutional requirement. In addition to this, Soludo (and APGA) won all the 3 Senatorial Districts, and the entire 11 Federal Constituencies.
There has been the rejection of the election results by a few of the candidates who participated in the November 8 polls. A development that is not new and strange to many people. Mr. George Moghalu, the LP candidate declared that, “I hereby reject it in its entirety.” ADC’s John Nwosu described it as, “a subversion of the peoples will …. exercise did not reflect the genuine choice of voters .. .” For the African Action Congress, (AAC), Chioma Ifemeludiken, said that her 292 votes tally, “represented a symbolic victory rooted in principles rather than political machinery …… I’m a Winner!” She thereafter invited those (292) who voted for her for dinner. Interestingly, the APC, which is the major opposition party presented a different scenario. While Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu rejected the election results, his running mate, Senator Uche Ekwunife congratulated Soludo, and declared that, “I encourage all stakeholders to work together to build a strong, more prosperous state ….when Anambra succeeds, we all succeed.”
Elections are not just about the candidates and political parties. There are many other people and institutions whose roles are germane to every gamut of elections. In elections monitoring and evaluation, observers, local and foreign are critical stakeholders. With thousands of observers across all the 21 LGAs, their views are imperative for this discourse. According to Yiaga Africa, a globally recognized elections group, INEC’s official figures; which is consistent with its (YIAGA’s) Process and Results Verification for Transparency, (PRVT) reinforces confidence in the credibility and transparency of the electoral process.” Mr. Jim Oko, a United Nations (UN) Observer, and National Coordinator of Nouvel Perspective International said, “having monitored elections across several countries, we can confidently state that everything here was as it should be; peacefully conducted, collated, announced, and accepted.” Ambassador Emmanuel Nweke of the International Association of World Peace Advocates declared that, “everything was well coordinated.”
The Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, (NCSSR) believes that the election did not provide Amupitan the real test to have first-hand experiences of challenges associated with the conduct of polls. However, it said, “BVAS functioned in most polling units; election was generally peaceful; security agents generally managed their duties with civility throughout the process.” The Group added, “IReV achieved 97 percent uploads of results shortly after close of election; quick and drama-free results coalition process; the entire process was devoid of the irregularities typically associated with INEC’s vote tabulation and score recording at collation centres.” Chief Valentine Ezuma, a community leader, and opposition politician described the exercise as, “million miles away, and far better than that of 2021. Today’s election was orderly, well-coordinated, smooth logistics, and massively peaceful. Contrary to the postulations of some people, there were very minimal incidents of violence and thuggery.”
Despite calls for a review of certain polling results by a few candidates, international observers described the exercise as credible and reflective of the will of the electorates. They commended INEC for the improved logistics; timely commencement of voting in most polling units; and fast, timely declaration of results. The use of technology including BVAS, IReV, and other relevant initiatives enhanced transparency and credibility. More importantly, it allowed real-time transmission of results from polling units, reduced delays, and built electorates trust in the electoral process. A lecturer at the Anambra State University, Awka, who pleaded anonymity disclosed that, “this is the best election conducted by INEC in the state. Essential materials were available in almost all the polling units; electoral officers from INEC, and ad hoc staff were very courteous; the security personnel demonstrated true professionalism which contributed to the peaceful atmosphere across the state.”
A few cynics believe that it is too early to splash INEC with beautiful adjectives. For them, the Anambra experience may be similar to football players who churn out never-seen before performances to impress their new coach. They reference the low turnout of voters, minimal incidents of alleged votes buying, and a few procedural inconsistencies as reasons against eulogizing INEC. As plausible as the arguments are, it is imperative to reiterate that to walk, a child must take the first step. Also, the African proverbs that “morning determines how the evening will be,” and “the eyes determine pounded yam that will fill the stomach” are instructive. True, coming from the barrage of invectives hurled at it in recent years, INEC deserves some commendations for the Anambra election. One hopes that, Amupitan will not rest on its oars but emplace results-yielding initiatives that will not only consolidate these positives, but deepen Nigeria’s democratic journey. Happily, he has some months for necessary preparations towards the governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun states.
* BOLAJI AFOLABI, a Development Communications specialist was with the Office of Public Affairs, The Presidency, Abuja
