AGLA Applauds INEC Leadership for Strengthening Electoral Integrity and Digital Result Management
The Arewa Grassroots Leaders Assembly (AGLA) has publicly commended the leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for what they describe as significant and measurable strides in electoral integrity and reform achieved during recent elections conducted across Nigeria.
Solidarity Rally in Abuja
Addressing journalists during a peaceful solidarity rally held at the INEC headquarters in Abuja, the National President of AGLA, Mr. Onogu Collins, emphasized that the gathering was not a protest of condemnation, but one of commendation and encouragement for the Commission's recent performance.
"We have gathered peacefully today at the headquarters of INEC to lend our voice, not in condemnation but in commendation. This is a solidarity protest and a protest of encouragement. Nigeria sees the progress, and we ask that it continues," Collins stated clearly to the press corps assembled.
Praise for INEC Chairman's Leadership
Collins specifically praised the leadership of the INEC Chairman, Professor George Amupitan, noting that since assuming office in October 2025, he has demonstrated "administrative will, institutional courage, and commitment to electoral reform."
According to the group, the Commission successfully conducted three major electoral exercises within a remarkably short period:
- The Anambra State Governorship Election
- The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Area Council Elections
- By-elections in Kano and Rivers States
"These elections, by domestic and international observers, were largely peaceful, procedurally transparent, technologically progressive, and administratively coordinated," Collins affirmed, highlighting the broad consensus on their quality.
Technological Advancements in IReV Portal
AGLA placed particular emphasis on commending the measurable improvements to the INEC Results Viewing Portal (IReV), describing the technological upgrades as a significant step forward in Nigeria's electoral technology evolution.
Collins listed several key enhancements observed during the FCT Area Council elections and subsequent by-elections:
- Improved server uptime and stability
- Faster upload speeds for result transmission
- Dual-layer validation mechanisms requiring presiding officers to both upload polling unit results sheets and input party scores directly into the BVAS device
"The upgraded IReV system demonstrated improved server stability and faster upload speeds compared to previous electoral cycles. The system architecture ensured that votes entered could not exceed accredited voters, thereby protecting result integrity," he explained in detail.
Enhanced Audit Capability and Public Confidence
He further added that the digital audit trail generated traceable metadata, including device identification numbers and precise upload timestamps, which supports robust post-election audit capability and reinforces public confidence in the electoral process.
"Citizens and political parties were able to view polling unit results in near real-time, reinforcing electoral openness and transparency," Collins noted, underscoring the practical benefits of these technological improvements.
Calls for Continued Progress and Stakeholder Support
While commending the Commission, the group urged INEC not to relent but to consolidate on the gains already recorded. Collins framed electoral reform as an ongoing journey rather than a single event.
The AGLA President outlined several specific recommendations for continued improvement:
- Strengthen result management systems further
- Expand technology deployment to more areas
- Deepen staff training programs
- Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to establish backup networks in areas with limited connectivity
He also called on political actors, media organizations, and citizens to support electoral institutions constructively and avoid spreading misinformation that could erode public trust.
"Nigeria's democracy is safe when elections are credible. Concerns should be raised responsibly and factually," he added, emphasizing the collective responsibility in maintaining electoral integrity.
INEC's Response and Commitment
Responding on behalf of the Commission, an INEC National Commissioner, Mr. Abdullahi Zuru, thanked the group for their show of support and assured Nigerians that the Commission would not relent in its constitutional mandate.
"We shall not relent. We will continue to ensure that whatever is necessary to make our democracy thrive, we shall do it. All we ask is the understanding and cooperation of Nigerians," Zuru stated firmly.
He explained that the INEC Chairman was away on official assignment but would be fully briefed on the visit and the group's message of encouragement upon his return.
Zuru emphasized that all actions taken by the Commission under Professor Amupitan's leadership are executed in the national interest. "Anything done under his leadership is done in the name and interest of Nigeria. We remain committed to progress and continuous improvement," he declared.
The solidarity rally concluded with unified calls for sustained transparency, protection of votes, and continued technological advancement in Nigeria's electoral process, marking a significant moment of civil society engagement with electoral authorities.
