By Hon. Comrade James Onifade 
In every democracy, the ballot is more than a piece of paper, it is the heartbeat of a nation’s hope. For millions of Nigerians, the ballot represents trust, change, and the dream of a better country.
With the new leadership of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) showing commendable progress, following the success of the Anambra governorship election, the spotlight now shines brighter on the Commission as Nigerians look up to INEC not merely as an election umpire but as the guardian of the people’s mandate, a sacred responsibility that must be handled with integrity, courage, and unwavering transparency.
The new INEC Chairman PROF JOASH AMUPITAN has begun his tenure with refreshing vigor, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to fairness, transparency, and accountability in electoral administration.
The most recent elections, particularly the Anambra governorship election, have showcased notable improvements in logistics, voter confidence, and result transmission, a signal that credible elections in Nigeria are indeed possible when integrity leads the process.
A Testament in Anambra
The successful conduct of the Anambra governorship election stands as a shining example of what is achievable when the umpire remains neutral and firm. Despite the usual pre-election tensions and fears of manipulation, the exercise was adjudged largely peaceful, transparent, and credible. The timely deployment of materials, the functionality of the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System), and the prompt announcement of results underscored INEC’s growing efficiency and readiness to meet global democratic standards.
Anambra’s election offered a glimpse of hope to millions of Nigerians yearning for a system where their votes truly count. It renewed trust in the electoral body and restored faith in the idea that Nigeria’s democracy can indeed work if the right people refuse to bow to pressure.
A Call for Steadfastness
While these gains are commendable, they must not be taken for granted. The true test of leadership is consistency, especially when faced with political intimidation or financial inducements. The new INEC Chairman, PROF JOASH AMUPITAN must remain firm, remembering that history often celebrates men who stood for principle rather than those who succumbed to temptation.
Political gladiators, driven by self-interest, will attempt to infiltrate and manipulate the electoral process, but INEC must remain a fortress of integrity. The credibility of elections is the lifeblood of any democracy.
Once compromised, the entire system begins to decay, eroding public trust and fueling disillusionment among the citizenry.
Credible Elections: The Foundation of Democracy
No democratic state can thrive without credible elections. Elections are not merely administrative exercises; they are the heartbeat of governance, the bridge between the governed and those who govern.
When citizens believe their votes count, they engage more actively in the political process, fostering national unity, peace, and development.
However, when electoral outcomes are manipulated, democracy becomes fragile, and the legitimacy of leadership is questioned. Thus, the task before INEC is not just to conduct elections—it is to safeguard the very soul of Nigeria’s democracy.
A Charge for the Future
The nation looks to the new INEC Chairman with renewed hope. His leadership should consolidate on the gains recorded, strengthen institutional independence, invest in technology, train personnel, and ensure that every election reflects the true choice of the people.
As Nigeria moves toward future elections, let integrity be our guide and patriotism our compass. The INEC Chairman must continue to write his name boldly in the annals of history as the man who redefined Nigeria’s electoral process and restored lasting confidence in democracy.
The success of our democracy depends on the courage of those entrusted with its guardianship. The new INEC leadership has made an impressive start, now the task is to remain unshaken, unswayed, and unbought.
Let the ballot remain sacred, the process transparent, and the outcome truly reflective of the people’s will.
Because in guarding the ballot, we guard our future.