Thumbs Up to the National Assembly: A Landmark Electoral Reform for Nigeria’s Democracy – Ayoola Ronke Fakunle
Speaking during a strategic meeting with members of ANALAG, Ambassador Fakunle noted that the amendment reflects the collective yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians who have long demanded greater transparency, credibility, and accountability in the nation’s electoral process.
According to her, the newly amended Act has restored hope among the electorate, many of whom had begun to lose confidence in the system due to controversies surrounding election results in previous cycles.
“The electorate, who were fast losing confidence because of questionable outcomes allegedly arising from manipulations between polling units and collation centres, can now heave a sigh of relief,” she stated.
Strengthening Electoral Transparency Through Technology
Ambassador Fakunle emphasized that one of the most significant provisions of the amendment is the recognition and strengthening of electronic transmission of results. With results entered directly into Form EC8A at the polling unit level and uploaded to the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Result Viewing Portal (IREV), the opportunity for tampering is drastically reduced.
The electronic transmission framework ensures that results declared at polling units are consistent with those available for public viewing, thereby enhancing transparency and public trust.
She described this development as a decisive step toward ensuring that votes truly count and that the will of the people prevails.
Reforming Party Primaries: Deepening Internal Democracy
Ambassador Fakunle also praised the provisions relating to party primaries, particularly the adoption of direct primaries and consensus as legitimate pathways for candidate emergence.
She described the reform as:
“One of the most progressive legislations since the advent of the Fourth Republic.”
According to her, this framework democratizes the internal processes of political parties by empowering all registered members rather than a limited group of delegates to determine who flies their party’s flag.
This, she argued, reduces grievances that often lead to protest votes during general elections and strengthens party cohesion.
Curtailing Vote Buying and Monetization of Primaries
Amb. Ayoola further noted that the amendment addresses one of the long-standing challenges of Nigeria’s electoral politics the monetization of delegate-based primaries.
In previous systems, delegates often determined outcomes based on financial inducements rather than merit, credibility, or competence. With direct primaries and consensus mechanisms, the influence of money is significantly curtailed.
She expressed optimism that candidates emerging through broader participation will be more accountable to party members and the electorate at large.
A New Era of Accountability
Ambassador Fakunle maintained that the reformed process will encourage those elected into public office to perform better, knowing that their political future depends not on financial leverage but on genuine grassroots support.
This, she said, marks the beginning of a more accountable, performance-driven political culture.
A Commendable Legislative Milestone
Ambassador Fakunle concluded by applauding the National Assembly for demonstrating courage and responsiveness to the voices of Nigerians.
She described the amendment of the Electoral Act as a patriotic intervention that strengthens democratic institutions, safeguards the sanctity of the ballot, and reaffirms faith in Nigeria’s electoral system.
“This is a defining moment for our democracy,” she affirmed. “The National Assembly deserves commendation for listening to the people and acting in the national interest.”
