A prominent leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has issued a stern warning to the electoral body, stating that Nigerians will not tolerate any excuses related to technical failures during the 2027 general elections.
A Direct Message to INEC's New Leadership
George delivered this message directly to the new Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan. He spoke on Monday during an interview on Politics Today, a programme aired by Channels Television. This comes as the nation starts its early preparations for the next cycle of national voting.
The elder statesman explicitly advised Professor Amupitan to learn from what he termed the errors of the commission's previous leadership. He pointed to the 2023 general elections, which were overshadowed by widespread complaints and controversies stemming from technical malfunctions.
Learning from the Past: The 2023 Election Reference
Recalling the last electoral exercise, George noted the significant investment in electoral technology by INEC. However, he lamented that the entire process was later undermined by explanations of system breakdowns.
"Remember the last election, when the necessary tools were provided. What did we hear afterwards? They said there was a glitch," George stated during the broadcast. He emphasized that such justifications have eroded public trust and are completely unacceptable moving forward.
A Call for Foundational Integrity
His counsel to the INEC chairman was clear and unambiguous: focus on getting the basics right to ensure a seamless process. "So let’s go back to basics. Mr. Amupitan, there should be no glitch in this system," he declared.
This public admonition underscores the intense scrutiny and heightened expectations facing INEC as it begins planning for the 2027 polls. The commission's ability to conduct a transparent and technically sound election is seen as crucial for Nigeria's democratic stability.
The call from a senior political figure like Bode George reflects a broader national sentiment demanding accountability and flawless execution from the electoral umpire, setting a high bar for the commission's performance in the coming years.
