Tambuwal blames electoral loopholes for Nigeria’s poll credibility crisis

Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has said the exploitation of loopholes in Nigeria’s electoral system has undermined the credibility of elections and prevented outcomes from fully reflecting the will of the electorate.

Tambuwal, who represents Sokoto South Senatorial District and is a former governor of Sokoto State and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, made the remarks on Monday while speaking on Prime Time, a programme on Arise Television.

He said elections in Nigeria are not entirely determined by voters, noting that manipulation and misrepresentation occur at multiple stages of the process, from polling units to final collation at the national level.

“Elections are not completely decided by the electorate,” he said. “From polling units to wards, local governments, states and even at the national level, things happen that misrepresent what voters actually voted for.”

According to the senator, the problem stems from a combination of systemic weaknesses, compromised officials and deliberate actions by politicians who exploit gaps in the system.

“The system is compromised through INEC, the courts and the politicians,” Tambuwal added. “Politicians try to find corners to cut, and wherever there is a loophole, they take advantage of it.”

He identified several challenges confronting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including technological failures, delayed commencement of elections, failure to transmit results and the compromise of some electoral officials.

Tambuwal maintained that he strongly supports comprehensive electoral reforms, particularly the electronic transmission of results, stressing that he would back any measure that strengthens the integrity of elections, even if it costs him politically.