Cynthia Ezegwu
Speaking at the First Daily Annual Public Lecture on Monday, political activist Sam Itodo emphasized that Nigeria’s electoral integrity in 2027 will depend heavily on informed voters and robust citizen oversight, warning that cynicism alone poses less risk than uninformed participation.
“Are we ready to pay the cost of making our votes count in 2027? That entails massive political mobilization,” Itodo said, stressing the importance of citizens actively monitoring the electoral process and ensuring accountability at all levels.
Itodo highlighted structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s election management, particularly in the results collation process. He explained that the weakest link remains the ward collation stage, where results from polling units are aggregated at local government centers. Poor infrastructure, such as schools without electricity and dilapidated public facilities, can compromise accuracy.
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The activist also addressed the role of technology in elections. “Electronic transmission of results can enhance the process, but it must go hand-in-hand with manual oversight. Machines have vulnerabilities. A combination of manual and electronic processes is essential as a check,” he said.
Itodo concluded that while strong laws are necessary, they are insufficient without active citizen engagement to ensure the credibility of Nigeria’s elections.