Bugaje Declares INEC Has Lost Credibility, Warns of Threat to Democracy

|By Chinwendu Nwani

Civil society leader and political activist, Usman Bugaje, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of losing credibility, warning that Nigeria’s democracy could face serious threats if urgent reforms are not implemented.

Bugaje issued the warning on Monday during an interview on Arise Television, stressing that the electoral umpire’s failure to deliver credible elections has eroded public trust.

“Everyone is aware that INEC has lost a lot of credibility and it is very important that the institution regains this credibility, otherwise the stability of the country is going to be threatened,” he said.

The activist noted that if INEC continues on its current path, Nigerians may lose faith not just in the commission but in democracy itself. He pointed to long-awaited electoral amendments that would mandate the use of electronic tools and technology in transmitting results, a reform he said had been stalled since former President Muhammadu Buhari declined assent.

Bugaje also questioned the practice of allowing the sitting president to appoint INEC’s chairman, insisting that the process undermines the commission’s independence.

He referenced the Uwais Committee report, which recommended sweeping electoral reforms, but lamented that vested political interests continue to block its implementation.

Bugaje urged government authorities to prioritize electoral reforms that restore transparency and strengthen democracy.