Amanze Chinonye
A new nationwide poll has revealed that while most Nigerians support the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) adoption of technology in elections, public confidence in the commission’s ability to conduct credible polls remains fragile.
The findings were unveiled in Abuja during the launch of the Athena Electoral Observatory, an independent platform created to track election trends and innovations in Nigeria.
The data, compiled by NOIPolls and presented by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Chike Nwangwu, is contained in a report titled “Innovation in Electoral Technology (2015–2025): Gains, Gaps, and the Road Ahead.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAccording to the survey, 90% of respondents said they are registered voters, while 52% described the registration process as easy. 41% rated INEC’s overall performance as “good,” and a majority expressed satisfaction with the commission’s use of technology in recent elections.
However, despite these positive perceptions, 35% of Nigerians still say they lack trust in INEC’s ability to deliver free and credible elections. Analysts at the event noted that the data underscores a widening gap between technological progress and institutional credibility.
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The launch brought together political leaders, INEC officials, civil society groups, and security agencies all emphasizing the need to combine innovation with stronger transparency and accountability mechanisms ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Speaking at the event, former Interior Minister and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Rauf Aregbesola, proposed a new model for appointing the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) one that would give political parties with at least five elected lawmakers in the National Assembly a say in the nomination process.
He also made a passionate call for electoral reform, warning against political interference in INEC’s operations.
“I’m a product of electoral shenanigans,” Aregbesola said. “Until we end the dictatorship of one person over INEC, Nigeria’s elections won’t improve. INEC must not be a one-man show!”
Observers at the launch said the poll and discussions reflect a growing awareness that while technology such as the BVAS and IreV systems has modernized Nigeria’s elections, rebuilding citizens’ trust remains the real challenge.
As 2027 approaches, experts at the Athena Observatory urged stakeholders to focus not just on digital upgrades but also on institutional reforms, voter education, and stronger safeguards against manipulation.
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