Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed disapproval of the improper application of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in Nigerian elections, particularly during the 2023 polls.
Obasanjo observed that the issues encountered were not due to the technology itself but rather the result of intentional human interference.
The former President made these remarks while delivering a significant keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University on November 15, 2024, where he highlighted the persistent leadership crisis in Nigeria and advocated for comprehensive reforms to tackle the nation’s governance issues.
In his address, themed “Leadership Failure and State Capture in Nigeria,” Obasanjo revisited Chinua Achebe’s enduring assertion in The Trouble with Nigeria: “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.”
He cited the insights of political scientists who have pointed out that bribery, intimidation, and violence are factors that allow unqualified individuals to rise to leadership roles.
Obasanjo urged the establishment of a governance framework that emphasizes integrity, competence, and the education of voters.
Referring to the 2023 elections as “a travesty,” he proposed several measures aimed at restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic processes.
He underscored the necessity for legal reforms to enhance electoral laws, administrative changes to ensure the credibility of electoral officials, and technological protections to secure election results.
Obasanjo advocated for stricter ballot security, precise voter registration, and improved cybersecurity measures to avert electoral manipulation.
He also highlighted the critical need to prevent electoral violence and maintain the integrity of voting infrastructure, which should be validated through transparent and internationally monitored testing procedures.
Obasanjo emphasized the necessity of revitalizing education as a cornerstone for democratic engagement and effective leadership, referencing Nelson Mandela’s statement that “education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
He reiterated Achebe’s assertion that a viable democracy depends on an informed electorate and ethically sound leaders.
In his closing remarks, Obasanjo cautioned against the dangers of complacency, calling on both Nigerians and the international community to confront the nation’s leadership and governance challenges directly. He characterized Nigeria as too significant to fail, underscoring its vital contribution to the stability and prosperity of Africa.
Reflecting on Achebe’s insights, he contended that the failure of leadership is the fundamental issue behind Nigeria’s difficulties, exacerbated by systemic threats such as electoral malpractice, terrorism, and pervasive corruption.
Obasanjo voiced his apprehension regarding the nation’s economic downturn, pointing out that Nigeria’s GDP had plummeted from $510 billion in 2014 to $199 billion in 2024, as reported by the International Monetary Fund.
In contrast to this decline, he highlighted his administration’s accomplishments, noting that Nigeria’s GDP growth averaged 6.59% during his time in office, reaching a peak of 15.3% in 2002.
He attributed this economic progress to reforms in sectors such as telecommunications, banking, and pensions, along with debt relief efforts, all executed under a capable team’s leadership.
