Why Nigeria needs electoral reforms that respect citizens’ choices – Gov Mutfwang

Rather than relying on election tribunals to decide election results, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang has pushed for extensive and transparent electoral changes that respect and honour the decisions made by voters during the voting process.

He also voiced hope that competent leaders would be chosen through free and fair elections if there was a clear, transparent, and fraud-free procedure for selecting leaders.

Mutfwang made this statement at the Haske Satumari Foundation’s annual colloquium in the Central Business District of Abuja, with the theme “Electoral Judicial Reforms: Imperatives for Nigeria’s Democracy, Governance, Leadership, and Selection Process.”

The governor emphasized the various issues confronting the electoral process, such as voter intimidation, violence, and anomalies that jeopardize election credibility, in his keynote speech, “The Imperatives for Electoral and Judicial Reforms.”

He emphasized the necessity of “electoral and judicial reforms that would strengthen democracy and citizen participation.

Mutfwang added that preserving electoral integrity depends heavily on the judiciary.

“I would like to call for sweeping judicial reforms to foster a fair, efficient, and independent judicial system that prioritizes citizens’ fundamental rights and respect for the choice they make during elections”, he maintained.

He criticized the Plateau scenario for its flagrant disdain for judicial precedents and stare decisis norms, pointing out that the judiciary has a duty to enforce legal compliance, particularly in pre-election matters.

“Electoral reforms are crucial for preserving electoral process integrity and legitimacy, building public trust in democratic institutions, and ensuring free and fair elections.

“The success of these reforms hinges on political will, stakeholder engagement, and robust implementation and enforcement to effect real improvements in the electoral system.”

The Haske Foundation’s chairman, Alfred D. Skari, emphasized the organization’s dedication to humanitarian endeavours, fostering harmony and peace, and aiding families who have lost their primary income providers.

Among the panelists were Alh. Yusuf Mamman Dantalle, Chairman of IPAC, Hon. Beni Lar, Hon. Dachung Bagos, and previous members of the House of Representatives.

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