Broken promises, breached trust! #FixPolitics berates INEC over conduct of 2023 presidential election

A citizens-led, research-based movement, #FixPolitics, has expressed grave concern about the uploading of results and subsequent declaration of a winner of the 2023 Presidential elections in the early hours of Wednesday.

A statement by its Executive Director, Anthony Ubani, said the haste and timing of these actions have led to widespread consternation raising germane questions as to the motives of both actions.

He said, “In the face of INEC’s failure to upload polling unit results from the polling unit in real time and sundry other failings added to the evident bewilderment and disillusionment of citizens with the opaque process, it seemed logical and respectful of the citizens whom it claims to serve, for INEC to have taken immediate steps consistent with its law and the promise made to citizens by its Chairman, to address the issues, fears and concerns that have been raised by citizens since the elections held.

“Instead, the world watched the INEC Chairman blithely dismiss and punt issues raised only to decide to attempt to rectify its egregious infractions and, thereafter, to declare a winner of the Presidential election.

“We believe that INEC’s decision to declare the winner of the 2023 presidential election has raised severe doubts in the minds of Nigerian citizens and a global audience about the legitimacy of the process that produced the results announced by INEC. Elections are integral to the democratic process, and the validity and legitimacy of elections are rooted in principles of transparency, obedience to the rule of law and open compliance with due processes.

“In the absence of these principles of good governance, elections become a mere tool contrived to reach a predetermined end, leaving the citizens as hapless passengers and on-lookers in the governance of a commonwealth that is their patrimony. The beneficiaries of such a poorly managed and questionable process will lack the legitimacy and full support of citizens to govern effectively.

“We believe that INEC has erred in declaring a winner of the Presidential election at this time when significant matters of electoral infractions that are of concern to most Citizens are yet to be addressed. This election was primed to be one that will help initiate the process of healing the many wounds inflicted on Nigerians and uniting them in a common purpose to face the monumental challenges that lie ahead. By ignoring the legitimate complaints of Nigerians and choosing to declare a president-elect, it is our well-considered and reasoned opinion that INEC has abdicated its legal and moral responsibilities to citizens and de-legitimised any candidate it declares a winner.

“Political leaders govern by the consent, support and confidence of their citizens. If that consent and support is lacking, governance becomes the first casualty. There is still time to get it right. INEC has the power to review its decisions. The clock is ticking as the law, in its prescient wisdom, recognises that INEC is not infallible and can still restore the confidence and faith of the citizens in its role as an impartial umpire. It provides a window of seven days for INEC to review its position.

“We, therefore, call on INEC to swiftly review the breaches and gaps that occurred, investigate all petitions, and comprehensively review the election results based on findings in the interest of the citizens and for the sake of progress, peace, good governance and development of Nigeria.”