The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has called for sustained public pressure to push for amendments in Nigeria’s electoral laws, saying reforms are necessary to strengthen the country’s democratic process.
She made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, where she also reacted to concerns around Nigeria’s electoral procedures and reforms.
Kingibe expressed disappointment with claims that Nigeria’s ballot papers lack security features, insisting that safeguarding of the ballot have always been part of the system.
“Since when and in what election have we ever conducted where INEC ballot papers did not have security measures, that you can bring any type of ballot paper and vote with it? It’s never happened,” she said.
She noted that while working on electoral reforms, significant efforts were made to develop a credible framework involving key stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), lawmakers, and civil society groups.
“For two years we worked on a document that was acceptable. We did a bicameral sitting, not just the Senate, but the Senate and the House, as well as INEC and some CSOs,” she said.
According to her, the outcome of that process was later altered.
“We came up with a document that we felt would give us free and fair elections, but every aspect of it was turned upside down. Now tell me why?” she asked.
Kingibe also questioned the effectiveness of investing in electoral technology if such tools are not fully utilised during elections.
“Why go to the expense of electronic and digital devices if you say you don’t have to use them? Why bother?” she said.
She added that achieving amendments in electoral laws is not always easy.
The lawmaker stressed that change often depends on sustained public demand.
The senator referenced past political moments in Nigeria to justify that reforms are possible when there is strong national demand.
“Well, once upon a time, there was doctrine of necessity. When there’s need for it, things will be amended. There’s a need for it and it will be amended when there is enough pressure,” she said.
