Core politicians should not be appointed into sensitive positions in INEC if the integrity of the electoral process must be maintained.
The declaration was made in Enugu on Wednesday by a former INEC National Commissioner, Prof. Okechukwu Ibeanu in a keynote address he delivered at a seminar.
The seminar was organised by the Institute for Development Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus in partnership with Hope Givers Initiative (HOP), an NGO with support from Christian Aid Nigeria.
Ibeanu, a professor of Political Science, noted that process, a major factor to the success of any election is a continuous exercise which starts from pre-election to post-election periods.
He enumerated some of the ingredients as electoral structure, infrastructure, money, adequate security, correct information and integrity among others.
He advised the public against misinformation which had caused more harm than good, especially in Southeast as it did not promote growth and peace.
Ibeanu said that for the electoral process to be guaranteed, the design must be based on a legal framework that protected and promoted the rights of citizens to elect those who should take decisions on their behalf.
“Manipulation of security is another critical issue that hinders electoral integrity in Nigeria and it has created trust deficit in the electoral system.
“Vote buying can only be ineffective in a country where most citizens can afford their bills.
“The 2023 general elections will be different because people are becoming more aware than they were in the past,’’ he added.
Ibeanu’s keynote address was entitled: “The Nigeria Electoral Process: Personal experience and predictions for the 2023 elections.’’
Earlier in a goodwill message, Executive Director, HOP, Mrs Onyeka Udegbunam, said the seminar was put together to sensitise Nigerians about the electoral process and the need to turn out to vote.
She noted that the Southeast is the region with the highest rate of voter apathy and urged voters to turn out to vote as those elected would determine the fate of the nation.
Udegbunam charged elites to sensitise people, especially those in the rural areas on how to use the Biomodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) machines and other electronic device during the election. (NAN)
