The Federal Capital Territory chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called for urgent reforms within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant electoral bodies to enhance transparency and credibility in future elections.
The appeal was made by the General Secretary of NANS, FCT Joint Campus Council, Aina Oluwatomisin, during a national multi-stakeholders forum jointly organised by Kimpact Development Initiative and National Democratic Institute held on Tuesday in Abuja.
Oluwatomisin stressed the importance of student involvement in electoral processes and highlighted areas where improvement is needed based on the 2023 general elections.
Related News: NANS Urges Tinubu to Investigate Mismanagement of Ajaokuta Steel Company
He specifically mentioned the need for INEC to enhance the Biometric Voter Accreditation System, address procedural issues, and tackle security concerns.
He emphasized the necessity for stronger enforcement of existing laws related to elections, citing gaps in implementation that undermine electoral integrity.
Oluwatomisin also called for significant reforms within INEC and other electoral bodies to ensure more credible and transparent future elections in Nigeria.
In addition to electoral reforms, Oluwatomisin raised concerns about the distribution of government palliatives, noting that many students in the Federal Capital Territory have not benefited from these initiatives despite their critical needs.
During the forum, the Executive Director of Kimpact Development Initiative, Bukola Idowu, highlighted various perspectives on the 2023 general elections.
Idowu noted that while some viewed the elections positively, others expressed dissatisfaction, emphasizing a consensus on the urgent need for electoral reforms.
The conversation at the forum focused on delving into the intricacies of the 2023 elections, with particular attention to initiating reforms and promoting youth involvement.
Idowu emphasized the importance of integrating technology, including electronic voting systems, to enhance transparency and efficiency in electoral processes. Addressing election security was also identified as a critical priority in advancing electoral integrity.
