Compromised Integrity: How Academics Are Failing Nigeria’s Electoral Process
The prevalence of electoral malpractice in Nigeria has cast a shadow over the credibility of the nation’s electoral process. A key feature of this process has been the appointment of university academics to leadership roles within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This practice, initiated during military regimes and continued after the return to democracy in 1999, has now come under intense scrutiny. Davidson Iriekpen reports on the evolving role of academics in Nigeria’s electoral system.
The appointment of academics as INEC Chairmen began under military rule as part of an effort to instill perceived credibility into the electoral process. When Nigeria transitioned to democracy in 1999, this approach remained in place, with academic figures taking on important roles within the commission.
In 2015, Professor Attahiru Jega, appointed by then-President Goodluck Jonathan, expanded this practice. He enlisted university academics not only as commissioners but also as election officials across different levels. Vice-chancellors were tasked with serving as Returning Officers at the federal and state levels, while lecturers and other academic staff were assigned roles at local government levels. Jega’s rationale for this was that academics, as individuals of high ethical standing, would be less likely to succumb to political manipulation.
For Jega, the involvement of academics was seen as a safeguard for the electoral process. He argued that university professors and lecturers, due to their social status, would not risk their careers or reputations by participating in fraudulent activities. He once remarked, “We were looking for people with integrity, and we have no doubt that there are many people with integrity in the Nigerian university system.” He believed that academics were a “ready-made constituency” of individuals with the requisite moral backbone to oversee elections impartially.
However, the reality has been far from ideal. Over the years, the integrity of academics involved in electoral processes has been called into question. Evidence has shown that some academics, despite their esteemed roles, have been implicated in electoral fraud and malpractices. The 2015 elections, which were meant to restore public confidence in the electoral system, ended up revealing a disturbing trend: academics, like other professionals, can be swayed by political pressures and financial inducements.
In 2019, for example, Professor Peter Ogban, a university lecturer, was convicted for election fraud after he manipulated election results in Akwa Ibom State. Ogban, who served as the Returning Officer for the 2019 National Assembly elections, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for falsifying results in Oruk Anam and Etim Ekpo local governments. Other cases, such as the alleged manipulation by Professor Ignatius Uduak, further exposed the complicity of some academics in electoral fraud.
These incidents have eroded public trust in the system and raised doubts about the effectiveness of appointing academics to such sensitive positions. If those entrusted with ensuring electoral integrity can be compromised, it suggests a failure in the original intent behind their appointment.
The case of election-related misconduct is not limited to professors in the humanities or social sciences. Even individuals with backgrounds in mathematics, engineering, and business have been implicated in electoral fraud, suggesting that no profession is immune from the corrupting influence of politics and power. Many Nigerians have become disillusioned with the notion that academics are incorruptible, especially given the evident links between politicians and compromised election officials.
The lack of accountability within INEC has only worsened in recent years. After the controversial 2023 elections, criticism of INEC escalated, particularly over technical failures like the collapse of the IReV (Integrated Results Viewing) platform during the presidential election. The platform, which was intended to ensure transparency, failed to function properly, further casting doubt on the credibility of the election process. Allegations of bias and mismanagement persisted in the aftermath of elections in states like Kogi, Imo, and Edo, which further tarnished INEC’s reputation.
Concerns have also arisen over the increasing politicization of INEC. Reports of partisan appointments, with individuals closely aligned with political parties, have fueled doubts about the commission’s independence. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently called for the reform of INEC, suggesting that the commission needed restructuring to prevent political interference. He proposed shorter tenures for INEC officials and a more stringent vetting process to ensure that individuals with questionable loyalties were not appointed.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, it is crucial for INEC to focus on integrity and character when selecting officials. It is not enough to appoint academics based solely on their professional standing; the commission must prioritize individuals whose commitment to transparency and honesty is beyond reproach. The time to begin this process is now.
Nigerian academics must also reflect on their role in this system. Their involvement in electoral fraud not only tarnishes their personal reputations but also undermines the entire democratic process. As respected members of society, they should take greater responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the electoral process.
Ultimately, the reform of Nigeria’s electoral system hinges on the collective effort of the government, INEC, and the public to ensure that elections are free, fair, and credible. It is time for those with true integrity to lead the way and set the standard for f
uture electoral processes.
