INEC Has Lost Credibility, Threatens National Stability – Usman Bugaje

Political activist and civil society advocate, Usman Bugaje, has criticized the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stating that the electoral body has lost significant credibility in the eyes of Nigerians.

Bugaje made the remarks on Monday during an interview on Arise Television, where he expressed concerns over the state of Nigeria’s electoral processes and the implications for national stability.

“I think everyone is aware that INEC has lost a lot of credibility, and it is very important that the institution regains it,” he said. “If this credibility crisis persists, it poses a serious threat to the stability of the country.”

Bugaje emphasized that the failure of critical institutions like INEC could erode public trust not only in the electoral body but also in democracy itself.

“When institutions fail to deliver—especially one as crucial as INEC—it doesn’t just undermine confidence in the commission, but in the entire democratic process. And when that happens, the consequences can be dire,” he warned.

He also highlighted the long-standing calls for electoral reforms, pointing out that amendments mandating the use of electronic voting and other technologies are still pending.

“One of the key amendments, which the late former President Muhammadu Buhari declined to sign, would have required INEC to adopt electronic tools in the collation and transmission of results. That amendment is still outstanding,” Bugaje noted.

He further questioned the process of appointing the INEC Chairman, stressing the need for independence.

“Why should the president—any president—be the one to nominate the head of INEC? That defeats the principle of neutrality,” he said.

Bugaje also referenced the recommendations of the late Justice Mohammed Uwais-led Electoral Reform Committee, saying many of its proposals—which aimed to ensure the independence and integrity of INEC—were ignored by political actors seeking to manipulate the system.