Momodu says INEC must rebuild public confidence ahead of Osun poll

Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation magazine, has said the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must work harder to regain the confidence of Nigerians, arguing that the electoral body has lost public trust due to its handling of previous elections.

Speaking on Channels Television, Momodu said many Nigerians no longer view the commission as an impartial electoral umpire, describing the prevailing perception of INEC as one of ineffectiveness.

“I think INEC has a lot of work to do and a lot of grounds to cover for the majority of Nigerians to believe they are serious as an umpire,” he said.

“The impression currently is that INEC is impotent, and you cannot blame Nigerians for that.”

He said repeated disappointments by the commission had fuelled widespread scepticism among voters.

Drawing on a Yoruba proverb to illustrate his point, Momodu said Nigerians have become increasingly distrustful of INEC because of what he described as its failure to meet public expectations.

“INEC has always dashed the hopes of Nigerians. So, don’t be surprised if Nigerians see INEC as a witch that will continue to kill and suck the blood of its victims.”

He added that despite the resources committed to the commission, it had consistently fallen short in conducting credible elections.

“Despite all the resources poured into INEC, it usually fails so glaringly and spectacularly,” he said.