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50% Nigerians Lack Confidence In INEC — GoNigeria
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Conveners of GoNigeria, yesterday, stated that credible electoral reform remains urgent and unavoidable.
It also called for the strengthening of public confidence in the electoral process.
GoNigeria, in a statement titled ‘Electoral reform and the sanctity of Nigeria’s democratic future’, by its convener, Mr Atedo Peterside and 24 others, noted that electoral reforms, judicial reforms and freedom of speech, among others, are critical for Nigeria’s democracy.
The group, however, lamented that surveys have shown that less than 50 percent of Nigerians have confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The statement reads: “Four pillars are critical for Nigeria’s democracy: electoral reform, judicial reform, freedom of speech, and the security of life and property. These pillars are the practical guardrails required for a democracy that is durable and productive.
“Among these pillars, electoral reform is foundational. Elections do not simply select leaders; they determine whether power is accepted as legitimate, whether institutions are trusted, and whether governance will be effective. Where elections are credible, authority is strengthened.
“This understanding was clearly articulated by the Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee, whose recommendations emphasised independence of the electoral body, transparency, credible dispute resolution, and firm enforcement of electoral rules.
“Subsequent reforms centered on the adoption of digital tools, including biometric voter registration, Permanent Voters’ Cards, and electronic accreditation. These innovations reflected institutional intent and public demand: technology as a guardrail against manipulation and a basis for public confidence.
“That intent reached its apex in 2015, widely regarded as a benchmark for our democracy. Progress, however, proved fragile and post 2019 and 2023 elections, public trust has regressed due to uneven use of technology, weak enforcement and increased reliance on courts to determine electoral outcomes.
“Today, surveys indicate that less than 50 per cent of Nigerians have confidence in the electoral commission, with distrust deepest in the South-South and South-East. Among young Nigerians, nearly three-quarters of those aged 18 to 35 report a lack of trust in the system’s ability to deliver free and fair elections. These figures signal a serious democratic fault line beyond reputational concerns.
“The costs of a weak electoral system are profound, increased violence, unaccountable governments and compromised institutions. Nigeria confronts a clear democratic risk. The persistent review of electoral laws, the growing demand for transparency, and declining public confidence all point to the conclusion that credible electoral reform is urgent and unavoidable.
“For instance, concerns about the potential for administrative discretion by electoral officers to permit manual transmission of results in the event of network failure can be addressed with clear operational guidelines, stronger safeguards, and transparent procedures that ensure technology remains a tool for accountability.
“Following the assent to the Electoral Act 2026, attention must now turn to effective implementation and the strengthening of public confidence in the electoral process. “GoNigeria’s approach will remain practical and inclusive: supporting voter registration and participation; encouraging informed public debate on electoral transparency and responsible use of technology in elections; engaging institutions and stakeholders on closing the gap between law and implementation; and amplifying citizen demand for elections that are credible, verifiable, and beyond reasonable dispute.
“GoNigeria is committed to ensuring, through advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and informed analysis, that elections in Nigeria are decided by the people and trusted by the people.”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Legislators Serving and Former Forum has tasked all stakeholders especially the Judiciary on projection of Nigeria’s democracy.
The forum gave the charge on Tuesday at a news conference in Abuja while reacting to comments allegedly made by some top politicians and public officials that do not advance Nigeria’s democratic processes.
Speaking on behalf of the forum, Ms Nnenna Ukeje, a member of the 8th House of Representatives said that as patriots, the forum is committed to national interest and have defended democracy on many fora.
According to her, their intervention stands for the defence, stability, protection of democracy and preservation of our beloved country.
“We must reiterate that there is a clear difference between the tyranny of the majority and true democracy; between illiberal civil rule and a system grounded in democratic contestation; between constitutional governance and authoritarian subjugation.
“Nigeria must remain firmly on the side of democracy, resisting overreach by any arm of government is not subversion; it is a constitutionally given right and duty.
“To the judiciary, we reiterate: this is a defining moment; the tipping point, the nation’s eleventh for survival.
“Your independence must remain sacrosanct. Your integrity must be unquestionable and your patriotism unapologetic. Your decision will determine the drift,” she said.
Ukeje said that Nigeria’s democracy must not be weakened by the very forces that once fought to build it saying that the preservation of democratic space is not a favour to the opposition but a duty owed to the nation.
The former lawmaker said that Nigerians must be very vigilant as democracy does not defend itself but survives only when citizens, institutions, and leaders commit to its protection.
“In conclusion, Nigeria must remain a nation governed by law, not expediency; by robust institutions, not strong individuals; and by the will of the people, not predetermined outcomes.
“Let the judiciary act without interference. Let opposition thrive without intimidation. Let citizens participate without fear.
“Nigeria’s democracy belongs to its people, and it must be protected and defended by all.
We remain committed to defending it through all lawful means; through the courts, through civic engagement, and at the ballot box,” she said. (NAN)
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…..Oyedele elevated to Finance Minister
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a minor cabinet reshuffle in the membership of the Federal Executive Council.
According to a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, two cabinet members, Mr. Wale Edun and Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa are to leave the cabinet while their replacements have been named.
Edun, until the latest development, was the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy.
He has been directed to hand over to Mr. Taiwo Oyedele who is now to take over as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Oyedele was formerly a Minister of State in the ministry.
Also Mr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma (PhD .) has been named as the ministerial nominee and minister designate for the Housing and Urban Development Ministry.
The memo also directed Dangiwa to hand over to the Minister of State in the ministry.
The memo stated that “all handing over and taking over processes should be completed on or before close of business on Thursday 23rd April, 2026.”
Explaining the President’s decision, Akume said: “These changes are aimed at strengthening cohesion, synergy in governance as well as achieving more impactful delivery on the economy to Nigerians, through the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He said the President, in approving the cabinet reshuffle, has fully exercised his powers as conferred on him by Sections 147 and 148 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999, as amended).
The President thanked the outgoing ministers for their services to the nation while wishing them the best in all their future endeavours.
The President, Akume noted, equally assured all cabinet members that “the process of reinvigoration shall be continuous.”
A United States lawmaker has accused Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of attempting to bribe a U.S. official in a bid to suppress a report alleging genocide against Christians in Nigeria.
Kimberly Daniels, a Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives, made the allegation in a video posted on her official Facebook account on Monday. The video has since gained traction online, sparking debate across political and diplomatic circles.
In the video, Daniels claimed that the alleged bribe was intended to influence the narrative surrounding a report by the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD), which accused Nigerian authorities of failing to address what it described as targeted killings of Christians in parts of the country.
“A U.S. elected official was offered money by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to change the narrative of the UN-WCD Christian genocide in Nigeria report,” Daniels said.
The lawmaker, who also serves as chairperson of the UN-WCD, maintained that she would not be intimidated or silenced, insisting that the issue of violence against Christians in Nigeria must be addressed transparently.
Daniels had earlier called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to remove Matawalle from office, alleging his complicity in violent incidents reported in states such as Plateau, Benue, and Kaduna.
As of the time of filing this report, Matawalle has not publicly responded to the allegations. The Nigerian government has also not issued an official statement addressing the claims.
The development adds a new dimension to ongoing international scrutiny over security challenges in Nigeria, particularly concerning communal and sectarian violence in parts of the country.
Forum of legislators calls on Judiciary to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy
Tinubu approves minor cabinet reshuffle, sacks Edun, Dangiwa
US Lawmaker Accuses Tinubu’s Minister Of Bribery To Cover Up Genocide Report
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