Senator Abaribe Highlights Key Challenges Facing Nigeria’s Electoral System

Abia South Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has stated that the main problem with Nigeria’s electoral system lies not in the technology itself, but in how electoral laws are interpreted by the courts.

Speaking on Monday during a review of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) electoral technology innovations (2015–2025), organised by the Anthena Centre in Abuja, Abaribe argued that the Nigerian judiciary has failed to keep pace with INEC’s technological advancements.

“I don’t think there is anyone against innovation that improves the process. If there is, it’s not me,” Abaribe said.

He added that he personally benefited from INEC’s new direct transmission of results system, but stressed that the judicial process lags years behind these innovations.

Abaribe also criticized courts for frequently disregarding INEC’s guidelines, which he believes should be considered an integral part of electoral law.