Senator Sharafadeen Alli has urged Nigerians to participate and play a very active role in the ongoing electoral reforms.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker representing Oyo South Senatorial District said the active participation of Nigerians will foster confidence and ensure widespread acceptance of the reform exercise.
This was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Akeem Abas, in Ibadan on Sunday.
Alli, the Senate Committee Chairman on Electoral Matters, highlighted the need for active engagement from citizens to shape the electoral reforms.
The statement underscored Senator Alli’s commitment to ensuring that the voice of every Nigerian is heard and considered in the electoral reforms.
He said his call for active citizen participation in electoral reforms signified his dedication to democratic principles and belief in the power of collective action.
Alli urged Nigerians to engage in constructive dialogue, contribute their ideas and actively participate in shaping the future of the nation’s electoral system.
Through this inclusive approach, he said he aimed at building confidence, promoting fairness and ensuring the general acceptability of the electoral process.
“Collective efforts of Nigerians is crucial in building a transparent and inclusive electoral process that reflects the will of the people.
“By involving the populace, the reforms will gain legitimacy and enhance the credibility of the electoral system,” he said.
Allo acknowledged the 2022 Electoral Act as the best Nigeria ever had, saying the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) did better in the 2023 electoral process than what was obtainable in the past.
“The Electoral Law is very good, but Nigerians have patterned their behaviour to accept or believe only a law or process they were actively involved in its making.
“If people are involved in making the electoral law, they will be confident in the electoral process. This time around, we have already started holding town hall meetings to actualise it,” he said.
The lawmaker said the plan was to hold the town hall meeting in every zone of the country, adding that, with funding, the meetings can be conducted in two or more states per zone.
Alli said that the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) was the game changer in the last electoral process, adding that there was no snatching of ballot boxes, unlike in the past.
“Nigeria is better than so many countries. We will get there, but our people must be ready for the reforms,” he said.
On the clamour for electronic voting, he said that Nigeria cannot do such now due to its stage of development, but expressed optimism that the country will definitely get there.
The lawmaker assured that there would be provision for Nigerians to vote anywhere in the country, particular in the presidential election.
Alli said lack of accurate data of Nigerians in other countries was a great challenge for Diaspora voting, saying there was nothing wrong in having Nigerians at embassies vote during elections.
He said any politician was a reflection of his or her society and therefore calles on Nigerians to embrace attitudinal change for a better society.
The lawmaker said part of the reforms was to have pre-election matters concluded before the election, while post-election matters are determined before swearing-in of elected officers.
“We are also thinking that matters on governorship election be handled from the Appeal Court, instead of Tribunal, while that of National Assembly should stop at the Appeal Court.
“We can’t also do without discussing the issue of unbundling INEC. People are already clamouring for the creation of Special Commissions and agencies such as Electoral Offences Commission,” he said.
Alli said that a committee which has Chief Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; Femi Falana, SAN and Festus Okoye among others, has been established for the reforms.
