INEC Admits a Decade of Crises Undermined Nigeria’s Elections

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By: Ahmed Makarfi

The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has acknowledged that the decade between 2015 and 2025 was marked by persistent crises that undermined Nigeria’s electoral credibility despite several reforms.

In a new publication titled ‘Election Management in Nigeria: 2015–2025’, former INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu described the period as one of “relentless challenges”.

He cited pre-election litigations, conflicting court rulings, violence, and logistical failures as key disruptions that derailed election preparations and public confidence. Thousands of court cases, contradictory orders, and targeted attacks on INEC staff and facilities compounded the commission’s difficulties.

While highlighting innovations such as Bi-Modal Voter Accreditation System, BVAS, the INEC Voter Enrolment Device, IVED, and the INEC Results Viewing portal, IReV, Professor Yakubu admitted that technology alone could not shield elections from systemic flaws.

The former INEC boss urged continued reforms, stronger collaboration with security agencies, and trust-building measures to restore integrity to Nigeria’s electoral process.

Published on

October 13, 2025, 11:38 +00:00

AUTHOR

Saratu Ashafa