One year after the 2023 general elections, held in February and March, Yiaga Africa, a Civil Society Organisation has pointed out some key factors, trust issues and events that indicate trends that may cast a long shadow of doubt on the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

The non-governmental organisation’s latest report, “Electoral Trust Restored? Nigeria’s Electoral Process One Year After the 2023 General Election,” sheds light on Nigeria’s electoral process and also analysed the off-cycle elections in 2023 and the subsequent bye-elections and reruns held in early 2024.

In a statement signed by Samson Itodo, the Executive Director, of Yiaga Africa, and Dr Hussain Abdu, Chair, of Watching the Vote Working Group, on Monday concerning the report, Yiaga Africa noted that there were incremental improvements in election management and logistics, even though there were still some shortcomings that must be addressed by the stakeholders in the country.

“The report is a culmination of one year of rigorous research, documentation, and analysis of key election trends. Yiaga Africa closely monitored unfolding events in the electoral process, particularly the off-cycle elections 2023 and the subsequent bye-elections and reruns in early 2024. While there were incremental improvements in election management and logistics, Yiaga Africa is compelled to highlight trends that cast a long shadow of doubt on the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process.

“The report paints a picture of declining public trust, questionable political will for electoral reform, institutional challenges, unchecked electoral misconduct, intentional obstruction of electoral justice, declining voter turnout, and evolving jurisprudence on electoral matters.

“These trends are a stark reminder of the fragility of Nigeria’s democracy and they underscore the urgent need for comprehensive democratic reform. The documented cases of election manipulation, violence and brigandage in states like Kogi, Bayelsa, and Imo, as well as the widespread inconsistencies in the judicial pronouncements, raise grave concerns about the commitment to democracy, constitutionalism, and the rule of law,” the statement partly reads.

Breaking down the prevalent trends in the country’s electoral behaviours in the last year that can diminish the credibility of the voting system, the report highlighted the attacks on the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission in the past polls

The report also identified the decline in public trust of the citizens in the country’s electoral system as another challenge that must be addressed by the concerned stakeholders. It further stated that irregularities reported during the general elections concerning the functionality of the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) have reduced voter trust to 23% in the country.

Decline in Public Trust:
The Afrobarometer survey’s findings that only 23% of Nigerians trust the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) signify a crisis of confidence that must be urgently addressed. Trust in electoral processes is the bedrock of democratic legitimacy, and as such, Yiaga Africa calls for greater transparency and accountability for all election stakeholders. We acknowledge the technological strides made by INEC, particularly with the BVAS. However, we encourage INEC to continue to strive for greater transparency and regular public engagement, to rebuild and enhance the public trust.

“Unclear stance of the Tinubu-led administration on electoral reform: One year after the general election, the Tinubu administration is yet to declare its stance on electoral reform. Following the conclusion of election petitions, there is a public expectation that the President would present a definitive electoral reform agenda to restore trust in the process. Yiaga Africa calls on the Tinubu-led administration to articulate and implement a definitive electoral reform agenda. The commitment of the Presidency to support and assent to legislative efforts to reform the electoral framework is critical to restoring public trust.

“Judicial Pronouncements and Electoral Law:
Yiaga Africa acknowledges the importance of judicial pronouncements in shaping electoral jurisprudence. However, the legal inconsistencies and the conflicting judgements that surfaced post-election are of great concern. The judiciary must conduct an introspective audit to rectify the inconsistencies and legal discrepancies that have contributed to a decline in judicial trust among the Nigerian people.

Institutional Independence:
The perceived capture of the election management body through partisan appointments undermines INEC’s integrity. Yiaga Africa stands firm against any form of political interference that compromises the neutrality and independence of electoral institutions.

Electoral Misconduct and Impunity:
The culture of electoral impunity, highlighted by instances of attacks on INEC officials, pre-filled results sheets and violence at polling units, poses a significant threat to the rule of law and democratic order. Yiaga Africa insists on stringent measures against electoral offenders to deter future misconduct.

Obstruction of Electoral Justice:
“The obstruction of legal processes and the tampering with electoral evidence are unacceptable. Yiaga Africa urges the judiciary and security agencies to protect the sanctity of electoral materials and the legal rights of all stakeholders to seek justice.”

Yiaga Africa, therefore, called for active procedures to rebuild trust in Nigeria’s electoral system, adding that Nigeria must not falter on its path to becoming a truly democratic nation where citizens’ wishes expressed through the ballot are protected.

The civil society organisation also urged the electoral commission to carry out a national capacity-building programme for all of its employees to further professionalise election administration and reduce some preventable issues that have been noticed.

Yiaga Africa further demanded that an after-action review be carried out for the bye-elections and the rerun to assess the procedure on election day, look over observation results, and review all of the complaints received during the election.

The report also urged the political parties to safeguard Nigeria’s electoral democracy instead of the existing habit of do or die which was reported in the past elections, adding that there is a need for rethinking among all relevant stakeholders to achieve a stable democracy in the country.

Electoral Trust Restored? Nigeria’s Electoral Process One Year after the 2023 General Election is available and can be accessed at https://yiaga.org/publications/electoral-trust-restored/