The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has expressed strong support for the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) recent decision to reject submissions from political parties that failed to comply with digital requirements for polling and collation agents in the upcoming Edo State governorship election.
In a media statement, HURIWA emphasized that INEC’s stance, as announced by Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, represents a critical step in modernizing Nigeria’s electoral processes. The association praised INEC’s commitment to ensuring transparency, efficiency, and credibility in elections through digitalization.
HURIWA underscored that the integrity of the electoral process is vital in a democracy, especially as Nigeria grapples with challenges such as electoral fraud and outdated practices, just as the transition to digital procedures is essential for improving the system. The human rights group fully supported INEC’s insistence that political parties must adhere to digital submission protocols to maintain the integrity of elections.
HURIWA further highlighted that the rejection of submissions from the All Progressives Congress (APC), Labour Party (LP), and other parties due to non-compliance should serve as a wake-up call for all stakeholders. The association pointed out that the era of manual, error-prone methods is over, and political parties must adapt. It expressed concern that, despite the ample time, training, and resources provided by INEC, some parties still failed to meet the digital submission criteria, reflecting a concerning lack of preparedness.
HURIWA also expressed particular concern about the disqualification of over 3,000 agents from the APC, LP, and ADP, viewing it as an avoidable and disappointing lapse that could undermine these parties’ effectiveness on election day, adding that in contrast, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed a much lower rate of disqualification, demonstrating that compliance is achievable with proper preparation and commitment.
The leading civil rights advocacy group further urged all political parties to learn lessons from this mistake; and take take immediate steps to update their internal processes to ensure full compliance with INEC’s digital requirements in future elections. The association observed that the failure to comply with Section 43(1) of the Electoral Act and Section 9 of INEC Regulations and Guidelines has not only undermined the parties’ credibility but has also disenfranchised their agents and the parties they represent.
HURIWA commended INEC for its forward-thinking approach and urged the Commission to maintain this standard in all future elections. The association also praised INEC’s plan to conduct a mock accreditation exercise to test the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Result Viewing (IReV) portal. Scheduled for September 10, 2024, across 12 polling units in six Local Government Areas in Edo State, this exercise is seen by HURIWA as a crucial step in ensuring that all systems function reliably on election day.
HURIWA called on INEC to share the results of this mock exercise with the public to further build trust in the electoral process. The association reminded political parties of their critical role in safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that compliance with INEC’s guidelines is a fundamental responsibility owed to the electorate.
“Political parties must embrace the digital transformation championed by INEC. This shift is not just about meeting administrative requirements but about committing to a future where elections are free, fair, and reflective of the people’s will. As Nigeria advances toward greater digitalization, political parties must demonstrate their readiness to be part of this progress,” HURIWA stated.
While HURIWA fully supports INEC’s stance on digital compliance, it also recognizes the need for continuous improvement in the electoral process. The association urged INEC to continue providing support and training to political parties, ensuring they are fully equipped to meet the digital submission requirements. Additionally, HURIWA encouraged INEC to engage with all stakeholders to address any challenges that may arise during the implementation of these digital systems.
In conclusion, HURIWA applauded INEC for its unwavering commitment to modernizing Nigeria’s electoral process, emphasizing that the rejection of non-compliant submissions sends a clear message that Nigeria’s democracy is evolving, and all stakeholders must evolve with it. HURIWA called on political parties to take this message seriously, prepare diligently, and fully embrace the digital tools that will ensure a free, fair, and credible election in Edo State and beyond.
“Nigeria’s democracy is at a crossroads, and the choices made today will shape the future of the nation. It is time for all political parties to step up, adapt, and contribute to creating an electoral system that truly reflects the aspirations of the Nigerian people,” HURIWA concluded.
Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko*
National Coordinator,
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)
