The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ireti Kingibe, has called on Nigerians to mount sustained pressure on the government to ensure necessary amendments to the country’s electoral laws, stressing that reforms are critical to strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Kingibe made the call during an interview on Arise Television on Monday, where she addressed concerns surrounding the nation’s electoral processes and the need for comprehensive reforms.
The lawmaker dismissed claims that Nigeria’s ballot papers lack adequate security features, insisting that safeguards have always been integral to the system.
“Since when and in what election have we ever conducted where Independent National Electoral Commission 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.
Kingibe disclosed that extensive efforts were previously made to develop a credible electoral reform framework involving key stakeholders, including INEC, members of the National Assembly, and civil society organisations.
“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 civil society groups,” she said.
She, however, expressed concern that the outcome of the reform 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 queried.
The senator also questioned the rationale behind investing in electoral technology without fully deploying such tools 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 asked.
Kingibe acknowledged that amending electoral laws is often a complex process but maintained that meaningful change is achievable through sustained public demand.
Citing past political precedents, she noted that reforms in Nigeria have historically been driven by strong national pressure.
“Once upon a time, there was the doctrine of necessity.
When there’s a need for it, things will be amended. There is a need for it, and it will be amended when there is enough pressure,” she said.
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