Aregbesola Recommends Linking Voter Cards With NIN
Former Governor of Osun State and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has recommended the linkage of voter registration with the National Identification Number (NIN) to eliminate multiple registrations and ensure credible voter data in Nigeria.
This is as he called for a comprehensive review of the country’s electoral process to restore public confidence and ensure credible elections.
Speaking at the launch of the Athena Election Observatory (AEO) and the unveiling of a report titled “Innovation in Electoral Technology (2015–2025): Gains, Gaps, and the Road Ahead” by the Athena Centre for Policy and Leadership, Aregbesola said the current system, where the sitting president appoints the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), undermines credibility and transparency.
He proposed a new model where all political parties with at least five members in the National Assembly nominate representatives to lead INEC on an equal basis.
According to him, such an arrangement would eliminate partisanship and foster trust among stakeholders.
“The principal beneficiary of manipulation should not be the one to nominate who chairs INEC,” Aregbesola said.
“Let political parties with at least five members in the National Assembly nominate those who will lead the Commission. That will inspire confidence and resolve the major issues undermining our elections.”
He argued that confidence in the electoral process begins with how officials are appointed, adding that election results should never be announced before the completion of collation.
The ADC scribe also urged INEC to publicly demonstrate the technologies it plans to deploy for the 2027 general elections.
“Don’t tell us you are using BVAS or IReV only for us to see something different on election day. Physically demonstrate the system so Nigerians can understand how it works,” he said.
Aregbesola also emphasized the need for the judiciary to protect the will of the people, warning that allowing courts to install losers through technicalities damages democracy.
“The minimum that should happen in any disputed election is for the court to order a fresh poll—not to decide for the people,” he added.
Yusuf Oketola is a trained journalist with over five years of experience in the media industry. He has worked for both print and online medium. He is a thorough-bred professional with an eye of hindsight on issues bothering on social justice, purposeful leadership, and a society where the leaders charge and work for the prosperity of the people.
