Guild of Public Affairs Analysts of Nigeria (GPAAN) Enugu State chapter, have advocated for elections to be held in November of a preceding election year to give a proposed period of six months for all litigations to be settled before swearing in and inauguration of elected political offices.
The Analysts made the proposition on Saturday while speaking on a popular Radio programme; FREEDOM SQUARE on Solid FM Enugu.
Ambrose Igboke, Chairman of the Guild in Enugu State, proposed an extension of the electoral timeline to address pre-election issues adequately, urging the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to plan meticulously.
Furthermore, he called for a revision of electoral laws to specify a six-month duration between elections and the subsequent swearing-in, discouraging any delays that might hinder the democratic process.
Igboke expressed concern over the lack of historical awareness among the populace. He emphasized the need for the Federal Government to promote the teaching of Nigerian history, asserting that a comprehensive understanding of the nation’s past is vital to understanding the current political realities.
He argued that treating each election as if it were the first undermines the progress made thus far. He urged a shift in mindset, advocating for the swearing-in of duly elected officials to prevent anarchy.
Vice Chairman of Guild, Dr. Uchenna Anioke drew attention to the contrast of the electoral systems in Nigeria and other nations. He highlighted the expeditious resolution of the email saga surrounding Hilary Clinton and Donald Trump during the U.S. presidential race, questioning why Nigeria often takes months to conclude similar cases.
Anioke criticized the phenomenon of political substitution, whereby candidates switch parties after losing primary elections, calling for greater transparency in the submission of party registers to INEC. He argued that the current practice undermines the integrity of the electoral system and hampers trust among voters.
Dr. Augustine Okolie, the Public Relations Officer GPAAN in Enugu, echoed the sentiments expressed by his colleagues, noting that the stark contrast in the duration of litigation processes between Nigeria and Kenya, emphasizing that the prolonged resolution of disputes arising from qualification of candidates erodes public confidence.
Okolie emphasized the need for the public to perceive the judiciary as reliable and that which inspires trust, so as to prevent individuals from resorting to self-help.
He also lamented the prevailing atmosphere of uncertainty about the finality of elected winners, describing the fragile peace in Nigeria as akin to a graveyard peace, where the nation is held hostage, awaiting court pronouncements before people react.
As Nigeria continues its journey towards a stronger democracy, it is evident that several challenges persist within the electoral system. The concerns raised by Ambrose Igboke, Dr. Uchenna Anioke, and Dr. Augustine Okolie had shed light on crucial areas requiring immediate attention.
The analysts advocated for at least a period of six months from election to inauguration to allow for total dispensation of litigation matters up to Supreme Court before swearing-in takes place on May 29th of each transition year.
