By Ekunkonye Junior, Abuja
The Chairman of the Society for Advancement of Democracy in Nigeria (SADN), Prince Orji Nwafor-Orizu, has called on the Senate to ensure that Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are used in future elections in Nigeria.
In a press conference held over the weekend, Nwafor-Orizu expressed his disappointment with the current state of Nigeria’s electoral system, citing the numerous problems that have plagued past elections.
“We need to move away from the current system, which is prone to manipulation and fraud,” he said. “EVMs are the way forward, and we must ensure that they are implemented in Nigeria.”
Nwafor-Orizu explained that EVMs are designed to provide a secure and transparent voting process, with features such as biometric verification and paper audit trails.
“These machines are tamper-proof and can withstand power outages and other technical challenges,” he said. “They are the best solution for Nigeria’s electoral problems.”
The SADN chairman also criticized lawmakers who are opposed to the use of EVMs, saying that they are not fully informed about the technology.
“Some of them don’t even know what EVMs are,” he said. “They need to educate themselves and understand the benefits of EVMs.”
Nwafor-Orizu cited examples of countries that have successfully implemented EVMs, including India and Namibia.
“These countries have seen significant improvements in their electoral processes, and Nigeria can do the same,” he said.
He also expressed his confidence in the current administration’s commitment to electoral reform.
“I suspect that President Tinubu wants to be remembered for his efforts to improve Nigeria’s democracy,” he said. “EVMs are the way forward, and I’m sure he will support their implementation.”
Nwafor-Orizu urged the Senate to pass legislation to enable the use of EVMs in Nigeria’s elections.
“We need to move forward and ensure that our elections are free, fair, and transparent,” he said. “EVMs are the key to achieving this goal.”
The SADN chairman also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take a proactive role in implementing EVMs.
“INEC should work with experts to ensure a smooth transition to EVMs,” he said. “We need to get it right, and we need to do it now.”
Nwafor-Orizu emphasized that EVMs are not a silver bullet, but they are a crucial step towards strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
“We must be committed to electoral reform, and EVMs are a key part of that process,” he said.
The press conference was attended by several stakeholders, including representatives from civil society organizations and the media.
Nwafor-Orizu’s call for EVMs has been welcomed by many Nigerians, who are eager to see electoral reform in the country.
It remains to be seen whether the Senate and INEC will heed Nwafor-Orizu’s call and implement EVMs in Nigeria’s elections.
The future of Nigeria’s democracy hangs in the balance, and the adoption of EVMs could be a crucial step towards ensuring free and fair elections.
