December 30, 2025

A former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has cautioned the newly appointed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, to ensure that future elections are free from technical failures and credibility issues.

George issued the warning on Monday during an appearance on Politics Today, a political programme aired on Channels Television. His comments come amid growing public anticipation ahead of the 2027 general elections, with many Nigerians demanding a more transparent and trustworthy electoral process.

The PDP chieftain stressed that the shortcomings witnessed during the 2023 general elections must not be repeated.

According to him, Nigerians have grown weary of explanations centred on technological breakdowns, especially after huge public funds have been committed to election infrastructure.

Recalling past experiences, George noted that despite investments made by the previous administration to strengthen the electoral system, the process was still plagued by what INEC described as technical malfunctions. He warned that such explanations would no longer be acceptable to the electorate.

He urged Professor Amupitan to take decisive steps to safeguard the integrity of the electoral system, insisting that any form of failure—whether deliberate or accidental—would further erode public trust in the commission.

“There must be no room for excuses this time,” George said, emphasising that INEC must put robust mechanisms in place to prevent system breakdowns during elections.

Meanwhile, the electoral body has also come under pressure from civil society groups. About a month ago, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) called on Professor Amupitan to provide a detailed account of ₦55.9 billion allegedly missing or mismanaged in relation to election materials procured for the 2019 general elections.

SERAP said the allegations were contained in the latest report issued by the Office of the Auditor-General, published on 9 September 2025. The funds were reportedly allocated for the procurement of smart card readers, ballot papers, result sheets, and other essential election materials.

In a letter dated 6 December 2025 and signed by SERAP’s Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation demanded full disclosure of the contractors involved, including their ownership details and addresses. SERAP also urged INEC to refer the matter to relevant anti-corruption agencies and ensure that any misappropriated funds are recovered.

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The group stressed that corruption within the electoral process poses a serious threat to Nigerians’ constitutional right to participate in free, fair, and credible elections, warning that INEC’s credibility depends on accountability and transparency.

As preparations for the 2027 polls gradually begin, both political leaders and civil society groups are making it clear that the margin for error has narrowed—and public patience has run out.