The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to demonstrate transparency by proving that the elections it conducted were indeed credible and fair.
The party’s Deputy National Legal Adviser, Okechukwu Osuoha, made the appeal while reacting to the proposed amendment to the Electoral Act currently under review by the National Assembly.
Osuoha emphasized that the present arrangement, which places the burden of proof on aggrieved candidates in election petitions, has continued to hinder justice. He said it was unfair for petitioners to be compelled to prove irregularities when INEC, as the electoral umpire, has full custody of election materials and data. “It is only right that INEC should be the one to demonstrate that elections were conducted in a transparent and credible manner,” he stated.
He recalled how opposition parties, including the PDP, had faced significant challenges accessing vital documents from INEC during election petition cases. According to him, this made it extremely difficult for parties to establish their claims of malpractice or non-compliance with the electoral law. “We have experienced situations where our lawyers were denied access to election materials, making it nearly impossible to build a strong case,” he lamented.
The PDP legal adviser expressed strong support for the proposed amendment, insisting that it would promote accountability and restore public trust in the electoral system. He maintained that INEC must take full responsibility for ensuring that every election it conducts is beyond reproach. “This amendment will compel INEC to act more transparently, knowing that it would have to justify the credibility of its work before any tribunal,” Osuoha added.
He also applauded provisions in the new amendment bill seeking to strengthen electronic accreditation and transmission of results. According to him, such measures will help eliminate human interference in the collation process and further enhance the integrity of the electoral system. “Technology, if properly implemented, will make rigging nearly impossible and increase citizens’ confidence in the process,” he said.
The amendment to the Electoral Act 2022 is part of the Senate’s broader effort to reform Nigeria’s electoral laws ahead of the 2025 general elections. Lawmakers say the reforms aim to ensure fairness, transparency, and improved efficiency in future polls across the country.
