The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State on his declaration as the winner of the state governorship election held on Saturday.
However, the CNPP noted with concern the declining voter turnout in the elections as observed in the state governorship polls, with only 24.8% of registered voters participating. This significant drop from the 31.6% turnout in the previous election is alarming and underscores the growing disillusionment with the country’s electoral process. The CNPP attributed this decline to the increasing loss of faith in the electoral process, particularly since the unprecedented participation in the 2023 general elections.
“The continuous decline in voter turnout is a wake-up call for our leaders to address the underlying issues eroding public trust in our democratic institutions,” the CNPP said. “We must work towards restoring the integrity of our electoral process to ensure the sustainability of our democracy.”
Furthermore, the CNPP condemned incidents of vote-buying in the Ondo governorship election and called for the prosecution of offenders to serve as a deterrent to others. “We urge the relevant authorities to take decisive action against those involved in vote-buying and other electoral malpractices,” the CNPP emphasized.
The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria also noted that the near-total loss of faith in the judicial process in Nigeria poses a significant threat to democracy as a system of government. “It is morally bankrupt for leaders who cannot supervise free, fair, and credible elections to hail the outcomes of transparent elections elsewhere,” the CNPP stated.
In light of these concerns, the body reaffirmed its commitment to promoting democratic values and good governance in Nigeria. The CNPP maintained that it will continue to advocate for electoral reforms and support efforts to strengthen our democratic institutions.
*Key Recommendations for Electoral Reforms*
The CNPP then called for the strengthening of INEC’s Independence, to ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) operates independently, free from undue influence, implementation of comprehensive voter education programmes to increase awareness and participation, the establishment of effective mechanisms to prevent and prosecute electoral malpractices, and working out deliberate policies to ensure transparency in electoral processes and hold leaders accountable for their actions before and during elections in the country.
The CNPP therefore urged all stakeholders to join forces in addressing these challenges and working towards a more robust democratic system. “By doing so, we can restore public trust and ensure the long-term sustainability of our democracy.”