Obidient Movement Demands Electoral Reforms, Decries State of Democracy in Nigeria

The Obidient Movement has renewed calls for sweeping electoral reforms in Nigeria, warning that the country’s democracy is “suffocating” and in urgent need of institutional overhaul.

Speaking at an event in Enugu State, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Dr. Yunusa Tanko, called for reforms across the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, and the Press, noting that their independence and credibility have been compromised.

In a statement made available to the media on Sunday, Tanko said recent electoral outcomes have cast a shadow on the legitimacy of Nigeria’s democratic process.

“I stand before you today with a profound sense of concern regarding the present condition of our democracy in Nigeria,” Tanko stated. “Many observers, both domestic and international, have questioned the fairness and transparency of our national elections, which has eroded public confidence and shaken the foundation of our democracy.”

Tanko pointed to the growing perception of political interference in key institutions, including the judiciary and security agencies, saying their perceived lack of independence threatens the rule of law.

He said the widespread disappointment and protests following the 2023 elections underscored a disconnect between the government and the governed, stressing that, “democracy cannot thrive where the people feel their voices are not being heard.”

The Obidient Movement also called for the recognition of the populace as a crucial “fifth estate of governance” alongside the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, and Press. “Without the people, these institutions serve no purpose,” Tanko emphasized.

The group listed key electoral reform demands, including:

• Strict compliance with educational qualification requirements, backed by verifiable evidence.
• Compulsory participation in public debates for candidates.
• Mandatory voting by all registered voters.
• Adoption of proportional representation for National Assembly elections.
• Electronic transmission of election results.
• INEC to bear the burden of proof in validating election outcomes.
• Automatic forfeiture of seat by defecting lawmakers and re-election in such constituencies.
• Implementation of diaspora voting and the right to vote anywhere within Nigeria regardless of polling unit registration.
• Consolidation of the voter card into a single ID with economic or social incentives to encourage registration.
• Consideration and implementation of recommendations from the Justice Muhammad Uwais Electoral Reform Report.

Tanko further proposed the unbundling of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) into three distinct agencies:

1. Electoral Commission – to handle election conduct.
2. Enforcement Commission – to ensure compliance and penalize infractions.
3. Delineation Commission – to manage constituency boundaries and voter mapping.

He also recommended a transparent and credible process for the appointment of the INEC Chairman to enhance public trust in the institution.

According to Tanko, these reforms are essential to restoring public faith and ensuring that Nigerian democracy evolves beyond rhetoric to reality.

Would you like this formatted into a press release or turned into a social media post as well?