In a recent post on X, popular journalist and commentator, Oseni Rufai, expressed concerns about the lack of action on electoral reforms in Nigeria. Rufai highlighted the pressing need for legislative measures to address the issues that marred the 2023 elections, particularly those related to the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and other associated technologies. He warned that without such reforms, the country risks repeating the same problems in the upcoming 2027 elections.
Rufai’s statement reflects a growing sentiment among political analysts and citizens alike, who believe that the credibility of future elections hinges on the government’s ability to address the flaws in the current system. The 2023 elections were marked by widespread reports of technical failures, delays, and allegations of irregularities, many of which were attributed to the BVAS technology that was intended to ensure a more transparent and efficient voting process.
The journalist’s concerns are not unfounded, as the lack of significant progress on electoral reform has been a recurring issue in Nigeria. Despite promises from the government to improve the electoral process, little has been done to address the systemic problems that have plagued past elections. This has led to growing frustration among voters, who fear that their voices may not be accurately reflected in future polls.
In the aftermath of the 2023 elections, there were numerous calls for a comprehensive review of the electoral process, with many advocating for reforms that would enhance the reliability and transparency of the system. However, these calls have largely gone unheeded, raising questions about the government’s commitment to ensuring free and fair elections in the future.
As the 2027 elections draw closer, the need for electoral reform becomes increasingly urgent. Without meaningful changes, there is a risk that the same issues that undermined the 2023 elections will reoccur, further eroding public trust in the democratic process. The government faces mounting pressure to take decisive action to address these concerns and to implement reforms that will safeguard the integrity of the electoral system.
Oseni Rufai said: Till date, we have done nothing about a bill for electoral reforms to fix the problems with bvas and co in the last election. if care is not taken, the 2027 elections will not be different from the 2023 elections….Vìêw–Morê