Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami has identified holistic alignment and unbiased participation by all stakeholders as crucial to having credible elections.
Speaking on Wednesday at a virtual public discourse on Strengthening Democratic Institutions for Credible Elections in Nigeria: 2027 and Beyond, organized by the Alumni Association of the National Institute (AANI) Ondo/Ekiti States chapter, he noted that INEC cannot be the sole institution bearing the burden of election credibility.
According to him, achieving free, fair and credible elections demand adequate contributions by all stakeholders including the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC,security agencies, the media, judiciary,political parties and the electorate,
Adelami, who is the patron of AANI in Ondo/Ekiti, identified adequate security of electoral materials and electorates, political parties internal democracy, independent judiciary and patriotic citizens among others as key factors necessary to produce credible elections.
He said Nigeria’s elections have improved over time and that it can only get better. He cited the challenges that came with the introduction of BVAS, which according to him, is currently being perfected.
Also, he emphasized that established legal frameworks should strictly be adhered to in guiding electoral processes. He also called on security agencies to maintain public confidence and ensure orderliness during elections.
He commended AANI for bringing issues around the elections and democratic institutions to the front burner of national discourse to promote good governance.
In his opening remarks, the national president of AANI, Amb. Emmanuel Obi Okafor, said INEC bears significant responsibility but requires support from other institutions.
Amb. Okafor harped on political leadership, impartial security architecture and an informed and active citizenry as crucial elements towards achieving credible elections.
Also speaking, the chairman of AANI Ondo/Ekiti chapter, Dr. Jide Akinleye, said the public discourse was designed to prepare principal actors and the general public for the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
Dr. Akinleye disclosed that the association would present actionable recommendations for Institutional reforms at the end of the event, thanking the organising committee, panelists and participants for their attendance.
The event was moderated by the Administrative Secretary in the Office of t Ondo State Deputy Governor, Dr. Fredrick Orunko, Political Scientist from Ekiti State University, Dr. Mike Omilusi gave the keynote while other panelists including, former Assistant Director General of DSS, Ms Funke Amos, INEC National Commissioner, Malam Mohammed Haruna, Executive Director, International Press Center, Mr. Lanre Arogundade took turns to speak on factors that will shape the 2027 general elections and practical ways to strengthen democratic institutions.
