A Call for Urgent Electoral Reform in Nigeria: A Responsibility President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Must Take Seriously Before 2027

By Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo (BOS)

As Nigeria approaches yet another pivotal electoral cycle in 2027, the call for comprehensive electoral reform has reached a deafening crescendo. For decades, the promise of democracy in Nigeria has been undermined by deeply rooted structural deficiencies—ranging from electoral fraud and voter suppression to institutional compromise and systemic opacity. If democracy is to truly thrive, the sanctity of the ballot must be restored. That burden now rests squarely on the shoulders of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The 2023 general elections exposed glaring weaknesses in Nigeria’s electoral framework. From the inconsistent performance of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) to the failure of the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), logistical breakdowns, voter intimidation, and widespread allegations of result manipulation—all combined to erode public trust. For a country of over 200 million people and one of Africa’s most dynamic democracies, this situation is untenable.

President Tinubu—himself a direct beneficiary of the current electoral system—must recognize that democratic legitimacy depends on one thing: public confidence that the vote counts. That confidence is now badly shaken. Waiting for a more politically convenient time to act is not leadership. Acting now, when it matters most, is.

Key Areas Demanding Immediate Reform

1. Strengthening and Standardizing Electoral Technology

BVAS and IReV were bold innovations introduced to curb fraud and improve transparency. However, their inconsistent deployment in 2023 undermined the progress they promised. President Tinubu must ensure INEC is fully independent, technologically equipped, and uniformly empowered to implement electronic transmission of results nationwide. Cybersecurity protections must be fortified to prevent manipulation at all stages of the process.

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2. Reinforcing INEC’s Independence

The independence of the electoral umpire must be beyond reproach. This means removing partisan influence from appointments of INEC leadership, instituting transparent vetting processes, and providing INEC with the budgetary autonomy it needs to function effectively. A truly independent INEC is the cornerstone of a credible election.

3. Operationalizing the Electoral Offences Commission

Election-related crimes have long gone unpunished, creating a culture of impunity. The Electoral Offences Commission and Tribunal must be urgently activated and empowered to investigate and prosecute electoral violators swiftly—whether they are political thugs, party leaders, or compromised INEC officials. Without accountability, reform is cosmetic.

4. Reforming the Role of Security Forces

The 2023 elections saw alarming instances where security agents were complicit in voter suppression or intimidation. Elections must not resemble a war zone. President Tinubu must ensure security forces are retrained to protect electoral integrity, not manipulate it. A nonpartisan, citizen-protecting security posture is critical.

5. Enabling Diaspora Voting

Nigerians in the diaspora are not only patriotic but are economic lifelines through remittances. Their exclusion from the electoral process is a democratic deficit. The Tinubu administration must take decisive steps toward developing a secure and inclusive framework for diaspora voting before 2027.

6. Investing in Civic Education

Many citizens still lack basic knowledge of their rights and the electoral process. A sustained, government-backed civic education campaign—done in collaboration with civil society—can raise awareness, increase voter turnout, and reduce susceptibility to vote buying and misinformation.

This Is a Test of Leadership

President Tinubu now stands at a historic crossroads. He can either ignore the broken system that brought him to power, or rise above partisanship to become the statesman who fixed it—for the benefit of future generations. The choice is his.

Electoral reform is not about political advantage; it is about national survival. It is about giving Nigerians faith that their voices matter and that elections are genuine expressions of popular will—not theater performances choreographed behind closed doors.

If we fail to act, we invite further disillusionment, declining voter turnout, and democratic backsliding. But if we seize this moment, Nigeria can emerge as a beacon of electoral integrity on the continent.

The international community is watching. More importantly, Nigerians are watching. Let this be the administration that reversed the tide, restored confidence, and truly gave power back to the people.

Otunba Babatunde Olushola Senbanjo (BOS)
Writes from Abuja, Nigeria
For publication in Newspot Nigeria