Nigeria's Elections Have Never Been Truly Free or Credible – Pat Utomi

Political economist Prof. Pat Utomi has criticised Nigeria's electoral process, asserting that elections conducted since the country's return to democracy in 1999 have largely failed to meet the standards of being free, fair and credible. Speaking in an interview in Owerri, Imo State, Utomi urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the 2027 general elections restore public confidence in Nigeria's democracy.

Utomi argued that while some elections were better than others, the overall electoral process has been marred by irregularities, violence, voter intimidation and vote buying. He described the 2023 general election as a "national disaster," alleging that failures in the transmission and management of election results undermined the credibility of the exercise.

The former presidential candidate said Nigeria still has an opportunity to improve its democratic process before the 2027 elections. He maintained that credible elections are achievable if political leaders, electoral officials and citizens are committed to transparency, accountability and strict adherence to electoral laws. He also warned against policies or actions that could weaken safeguards designed to protect the integrity of elections.

Utomi further stated that Nigeria's broader governance challenges stem from poor leadership and weak institutions, expressing optimism that meaningful reforms could still place the country on a better path. He called on stakeholders to prioritise integrity and national interest in order to strengthen democracy and improve public trust in government.