A former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, has expressed concern over the rising wave of voter apathy in Nigeria, warning that continued disengagement from the electoral process could undermine democratic governance.
 
Jega spoke yesterday in Port Harcourt while delivering a lecture titled “Importance of Credible Elections for Nigeria’s National Development,” at the third Legacy Lecture Series of the Nimi Briggs Chair of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Port Harcourt.
 
The former INEC boss, who is also a professor of Political Science at Bayero University, described voter withdrawal from elections as dangerous, noting that it creates room for unqualified leaders and touts to dominate the political space.
 
According to him, exiting the polls is not the best option for citizens dissatisfied with the system. “If people continue to decline participation, those with questionable intentions will continue to dominate. We must get more citizens constructively involved in the electoral process to safeguard the integrity of our elections and improve governance outcomes,” he said.
 
Jega observed that while voter apathy is increasing, campaign funds continue to rise, a trend he described as ironic and troubling. He stressed that all stakeholders must recognise their roles and work collectively towards improving the credibility and integrity of elections.
 
He lamented that many young Nigerians who register to vote often fail to turn out on election day, even as they demand reforms such as electronic transmission of results and electronic voting.
 
While reaffirming his longstanding support for technological innovations to enhance electoral integrity, Jega cautioned that reforms must reflect Nigeria’s operational realities.
 
“We must introduce technology in a manner that suits our context. Even simple innovations in voter accreditation have posed serious challenges because we are not manufacturers of such equipment,” he noted.
 
Jega identified electoral integrity as central to Nigeria’s democratic development, arguing that citizens must be confident that their votes count and that election outcomes reflect the genuine will of the electorate.
 
He said credible elections would encourage candidates to accept results, reduce frivolous litigation and violent reactions, and foster responsible and responsive governance.
 
“Electoral integrity offers the best opportunity to produce public officials who will address citizens’ needs and aspirations, thereby translating democratic governance into national development,” he stated.
 
He called for urgent reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s electoral system ahead of the 2027 general elections, urging collective mobilisation to prevent democratic backsliding.
 
Although he said that the 2026 Electoral Act (Amendment), recently signed into law, leaves much to be desired, he acknowledged that it improves on the 2022 Act in several respects.
 
Jega, however, recommended that INEC urgently develop and gazette comprehensive guidelines to clarify provisions on electronic transmission of results and distinguish between its electronic collation system and the IReV portal, which he described as a public viewing platform intended to enhance transparency.