INEC Must Act Now to Rebuild Trust Before 2027 Election

Why Early Action Matters

When just under 30% of eligible Nigerians showed up at the polls in 2023, it sent a loud signal: people don’t think their vote counts. The European Union’s election observers didn’t mince words – the whole process "eroded voters' trust." One of the biggest flashpoints was the promised Internet Results Viewing (IReV) portal that never went live on election day. Voters were told they would be able to watch results roll in online, but the screen stayed black. That broken promise feels like a slap in the face for anyone hoping for a cleaner, more open system.

Trust isn’t just a nice‑to‑have in politics; it’s the glue that holds democratic institutions together. When citizens believe the system is rigged or opaque, they stay home, and low turnout feeds a cycle of delegitimisation. The 2023 figure – 25,286,616 voters – wasn’t just a number, it was a warning sign that the electoral contract between the state and its people is fraying.

Adding fuel to the fire, the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics released data showing a jump in reported judicial bribes in 2023. If the courts, traditionally seen as the “last hope of the common man,” are compromised, confidence in the entire electoral ecosystem takes a nosedive. The result? A growing chorus of Nigerians saying they’ll skip the next vote not because they dislike any candidate, but because they simply don’t trust the machinery that counts the votes.

All eyes are now on the 2027 general election. It’s the first real chance for the country to hit the reset button. But the clock is ticking, and the longer INEC drags its feet, the deeper the trust deficit becomes.

What Needs to Change

Rebuilding faith isn’t a one‑off project; it’s a series of concrete steps that need to be announced, implemented, and monitored. Below are the key areas experts say must be tackled before the next ballot.

• Deliver on Technology Promises: The IReV portal must be built, tested, and rolled out well before election day. Piloting the system in a few states during by‑elections can iron out glitches and show voters that the promise is real.
• Transparent Result Transmission: Every polling unit should have a real‑time, publicly accessible tracking number. Independent observers and civil society groups need live feeds, not after‑the‑fact spreadsheets.
• Clear Communication Strategy: INEC should launch a year‑long outreach campaign using radio, social media, and community town‑halls. Simple messages about what’s changing, why it matters, and how citizens can verify results will go a long way.
• Strengthen Oversight: An independent audit body, perhaps with regional representation, must be empowered to review INEC’s finances and procurement. Transparency in how funds are spent on technology will curb suspicion of waste or corruption.
• Address Judicial Corruption: While not directly under INEC’s remit, coordinating with anti‑corruption agencies to secure the judiciary’s role in election disputes is vital. Faster, impartial rulings will stop rumours that courts are buying votes.
• Engage Youth and First‑time Voters: With over half the electorate under 30, digital literacy drives, school programs, and youth ambassador networks can turn apathy into participation.
• Feedback Loops: After each election cycle, INEC should publish a public report summarising what worked, what didn’t, and how complaints were handled. This creates a habit of accountability.

These reforms aren’t just bureaucratic check‑boxes; they’re confidence‑building gestures that speak directly to citizens’ frustrations. When people see the commission actually following through – not just saying it will – the narrative shifts from “they promised and failed” to “they delivered.”

Moreover, the timing matters. Starting these initiatives now, rather than waiting for 2027, sends a signal that the commission is serious about fixing the system. Early pilots, transparent procurement of tech tools, and visible community engagement can turn the tide before the next election fever hits.

In short, rebuilding trust is a marathon, not a sprint. It demands consistent effort, honest communication, and a willingness to be held accountable at every step. If INEC can pull these threads together, the 2027 election could become the moment Nigerian democracy turns a corner, proving that votes do count and that the nation’s institutions can earn back the public’s faith.