Political economist and former presidential candidate, Professor Pat Utomi, has raised fresh concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the country’s 2027 general elections are free, fair and transparent.
Speaking in an interview in Owerri, southeastern Nigeria, Utomi argued that the country’s elections have consistently fallen short of international democratic standards since the return to civilian rule in 1999. According to him, while some elections showed modest improvements over others, the overall process has remained plagued by irregularities and declining public confidence.
He described the 2023 general election as one of the most controversial in Nigeria’s democratic history, alleging that the failure to fully utilize the electoral result viewing system and reports of irregularities undermined public trust in the outcome. Utomi maintained that transparent electronic transmission and publication of polling unit results are essential to strengthening electoral credibility.
The professor also expressed concern over persistent challenges such as voter intimidation, election-related violence, vote buying and manipulation of results, warning that these practices continue to weaken Nigeria’s democracy. He called on electoral authorities and political stakeholders to take decisive steps to prevent a repeat of past shortcomings during the 2027 elections.
Utomi stressed that credible elections depend not only on electoral institutions but also on the collective determination of political leaders, civil society and citizens to protect the democratic process. He argued that any attempt to weaken electoral transparency mechanisms could create opportunities for manipulation and reduce public confidence in election outcomes.
Beyond electoral reforms, Utomi said Nigeria faces broader governance challenges that require principled leadership and stronger institutions. He noted that the country’s long-term development depends on leaders with integrity, accountability and a commitment to national progress.
Despite his criticism, Utomi expressed optimism that Nigeria can strengthen its democratic institutions and improve governance if meaningful reforms are implemented before the next general election. He urged citizens to remain engaged in demanding accountability and credible democratic processes.
