As the nation seeks to empower its citizens through fair and transparent elections, the imperative of electoral reforms and the expectations from political parties have taken center stage. Recurring issues such as voter intimidation, electoral fraud, and violence have often marred the integrity of the electoral process in Nigeria. To address these challenges and uphold the principles of democracy, a comprehensive electoral reform is required and the National Assembly has started the electoral reform process.

Earlier, this year, the INEC released a comprehensive 526-page document, structured into 13 chapters and enhanced with 60 tables, 14 boxes, and 10 graphs, offering an in-depth analysis of the election’s key processes, achievements, and challenges, along with valuable lessons learned. The 2023 election saw four political parties winning gubernatorial races, seven parties winning senatorial seats, eight in federal constituencies, and nine in state legislatures, illustrating a broad shift in political representation across Nigeria.

From three dominant political parties in 1999, Nigerians now have 18 registered political parties. But Nigerians across the country opine that the political parties are still not functioning well and not well orgainsed. Most of the parties’ structures are in the hands of very few individuals and the parties are lacking in proper ideologies thereby making it difficult for voters to make their choices beyond the prism of tribal, religious, and other primordial considerations.

The Nigerian Civil Society Situation Room noted in its final report that the 2023 general election represents a missed opportunity. Nigeria’s democratic development. Without vibrant political parties, the democratic structure will be weak.

Despite the huge blame on the political parties and their contributions to the ills of the electoral process. Mr. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, National Chairman of, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) and National Chairman, of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) said the Council is yet to present a memorandum to the National Assembly Committee on Constitution review because IPAC has just set up a Constitution and Electoral Act Amendments Committee that will draw up the proposals to be presented.

Earlier, this year, the INEC released a comprehensive 526-page document, structured into 13 chapters and enhanced with 60 tables, 14 boxes, and 10 graphs, offering an in-depth analysis of the election’s key processes, achievements, and challenges, along with valuable lessons learned. “This election saw four political parties winning gubernatorial races, seven parties winning senatorial seats, eight in federal constituencies, and nine in state legislatures, illustrating a broad shift in political representation across Nigeria.

He, however, hinted that the Council would present a memorandum to address eight critical issues. These include reform in the appointment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, National Commissioners, and Resident Electoral Commissioners, scrapping of the State Independent Electoral Commission, Establishment of Electoral Offences Commission, and Cross carpeting by members of the legislators. Others are the need for electronic voting, resolution of election disputes before swearing in, restoration funding of political parties, and reduction of the involvement of heavy security officers and men during elections.

His words: “IPAC wants reforms in the appointment of INEC Chairman, National Commissioners and Resident Electoral Commissioners. To guarantee and safeguard the independence, neutrality, impartiality, and integrity of the electoral management body, the power to appoint its leadership should move from the President to an independent body to be confirmed by the Senate. It is said that who pays the piper dictates the tune. It is inappropriate for the President who belongs to a political party and participates in the presidential election to appoint officers of the electoral body.

“IPAC demands the scrapping of the States Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) as they have been reduced to an extension of various States Government Houses which drastically affected Local Governments elections and governance. Accordingly, Local Government autonomy is critical for sustainable democracy in Nigeria.

“Council demands the establishment of Electoral Offences Commission to prosecute electoral offenders that will curb malpractices and violence in the electoral system. Cross carpeting by elected members of the legislatures is essential to restore sanity in the democratic process. Electronic voting is the panacea for rigging and falsification of results in elections. IPAC advocates for it as the ballot is sacrosanct. In this regard, election disputes should be resolved before swearing in of winners.

“Heavy involvement of security agents should be checked and controlled as elections are civic duties which should not be militarized. As obtainable in other democracies, the government should restore funding of political parties. It will bolster the nation’s participatory democracy”, he stressed.

On Political Parties’ Ideology and Manifesto?

Mr. Dantalle explained that: “the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, as amended, provides a directive of state policy which all political parties must adhere to, that is why there are similarities in the manifestos of various political parties. Though each political party considering the specific needs of the people can focus on crucial aspects that will provide dividends of democracy to the masses”.

Other Nigerians have also expressed their views on the kind of reforms necessary for the political parties. Dr. Isiguzo, President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) said that Strengthening regulations governing political parties to promote internal democracy, transparency, and accountability is urgently needed stressing that this may involve measures to enhance the transparency of party financing, enforce rules on candidate selection processes, and combat intra-party violence and intimidation.

For Mr. Emeka Nze, Politics Editor, Blueprint Newspaper: “Political parties as platforms for power acquisition have been structured to favour the money bags in Nigeria. Consequently, those who contribute huge amounts of money to the parties now see it as investments that must yield returns. This has created sacred cows and godfathers in the political parties where the money bags are seen as untouchables. When they offend the party, they are hardly sanctioned. This has worsened the impunity in the parties”.

According to him, instead of free and fair party primaries to nominate candidates, the money bags now influence and determine the candidates that stand for elections. This situation has often led to the nomination or imposition of unpopular candidates who suffer defeat in the general elections. Such money bags also determine those who will lead the party according to their dictates and in most cases, bad leadership is foisted on the party leading to intra-party crises more often, this according to him must change.

Prof. Bunmi Alo of the Department of Sociology, Joseph Ayo Babalola University, Ikeji, Osun state said: “Ordinarily, there is no political party in Nigeria at the moment. What we have are political groupings or political organisations. People come together to realise their selfish interests. They are not focused on attaining the elective leadership in the three tiers of government and they lack ideology”.

He said democracy is very expensive and it takes time to build. We know how long it took America to get to where they are but of course, Nigeria, according to him, is not there at all. You just find people joining parties to realize their selfish ambitions.

According to the University Don, political office in Nigeria is too attractive and that is why it has become a do-or-die affair. Somebody may sleep as a pauper today and wake up tomorrow a millionaire just because he is a politician. That is the easiest way to make money now, probably second to 419 or Yahoo-plus.

Comrade Adeola Soetan, Executive Director, Citizenship Civic Awareness Centre aka Democracy Vanguard is, however, not persuaded that reforms would work. His words: “Honestly, with our recent disappointing experience in the 2023 elections, with the INEC’s refusal to walk its talk of using the IRev portal despite assurances, for a real-time election result broadcast and monitoring, many citizens are in doubt of any serious electoral reforms because, at the end of the day, any reform is about the people, the election managers and other stakeholders, not only machines or digitalization.

Dr. Ene said expectations from electoral reforms and political parties are huge. ” Historically huge because over time, citizens both knowledgeable and ordinary citizens have been asking for the implementation of the Justice Uwais report and it is delaying the expectation that even the political parties should be tired of their ineptitude to the system that is not delivering to the people. To the extent that they should be at the forefront yet they are not doing that. They have not been able to meet the expectations of ordinary Nigerians.

However, one of the key areas requiring reform is the enhancement of voter education and awareness. Many citizens, particularly in rural areas, remain unaware of their rights and the electoral process. Political parties must take the lead in educating the populace about their rights, the importance of voting, and how to participate effectively in elections. Government agencies saddled with the responsibility of informing and enlightening the citizens must wake up to their responsibilities. By empowering citizens with knowledge, Nigeria can ensure a more informed electorate and foster greater civic engagement.

Furthermore, electoral reforms should aim to strengthen the independence and impartiality of electoral institutions. The impartiality of electoral bodies is essential in ensuring free and fair elections. Political parties must support measures to depoliticize electoral institutions and uphold their autonomy to prevent undue influence and manipulation.

Transparency and accountability are also crucial elements of electoral reforms. Political parties must be transparent in their campaign financing and adhere to electoral laws and regulations. By promoting transparency, Nigeria can mitigate the influence of money in politics and level the playing field for all candidates.

Additionally, the issue of internal party democracy cannot be overlooked. Political parties serve as the vehicles through which citizens exercise their democratic rights. Therefore, parties must adhere to democratic principles in their internal processes, including candidate selection and decision-making. By promoting internal party democracy, Nigeria can foster a political culture that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of its citizens.

As Nigeria approaches the next electoral cycle, the expectations from political parties are higher than ever. Citizens demand accountability, transparency, and genuine representation from their elected leaders. Political parties must rise to the occasion and demonstrate their commitment to democracy by championing electoral reforms and upholding the highest standards of integrity.

The journey towards empowering Nigeria through electoral reforms is a collective responsibility that requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders, including political parties. By embracing reforms and fulfilling the expectations of its citizens, Nigeria can consolidate its position as a beacon of democracy in Africa and pave the way for a brighter future for generations to come.