Mrs Abiodun Oyefusi has called on the federal government to initiate a process that will lead to total overhaul of electoral bodies in the country.
Oyefusi, a politician, said this became necessary following the recent revelation by former military president Ibrahim Babangida regarding the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election, which MKO Abiola, the candidate of defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) won.
With the disclosure, Oyefusi said the country needs an electoral process that will protect future elections and their candidates.
According to her, the need to overhaul the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and state electoral bodies to restore credibility, transparency, and true democracy in Nigeria cannot be overemphasized.
Princess Oyefusi, a staunch advocate for electoral reforms, emphasized that the best way to honor the legacy of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola and the ideals of June 12 is to ensure that Nigerians’ votes genuinely count.
She stressed that a credible electoral system is fundamental to the people enjoying the dividends of democracy.
“The June 12 election remains a symbol of the people’s will and the fight for democratic integrity. However, decades later, our electoral process continues to face challenges that undermine the voice of the electorate. If we are truly committed to honoring MKO Abiola and what he stood for, we must act decisively by reforming our electoral institutions to guarantee transparency, fairness, and accountability,” she stated.
Princess Oyefusi further urged policymakers, civil society organizations, and Nigerians at large to unite in demanding electoral reforms that will restore public confidence in the democratic process.
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She reiterated that without an independent and efficient electoral system, the promise of democracy will remain unfulfilled.
“We cannot continue to allow electoral fraud, manipulation, and inefficiency to define our elections. A true democracy is one where the people’s mandate is respected, and that starts with a functional and trustworthy electoral system,” she added.
She called on the National Assembly to prioritize electoral reforms, including the adoption of modern voting technologies and stringent measures to prevent electoral malpractice.
She also advocated for stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure that state electoral commissions operate independently, free from political interference.