Amadi Urges Caution Over INEC Technology, Calls for Bipartisan Audit

ABUJA — The Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, Dr. Sam Amadi, has advised Nigerians against placing blind confidence in the deployment of technology by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Amadi made the remarks on Sunday at the Citizens Town Hall Meeting on the Electoral Act 2026 held in Abuja, where discussions centred on electoral reforms and the credibility of Nigeria’s voting process.

He called for the establishment of a bipartisan audit commission to thoroughly review INEC’s technological systems, particularly in light of the controversies that trailed the 2023 general elections.

According to him, the elections were marred by numerous allegations and unresolved concerns, yet there was no comprehensive public inquiry into the issues raised.

“We finished the 2023 election with so much allegations, so much issues,” he said, criticising the lack of legislative scrutiny.

Amadi further faulted the National Assembly for not conducting a public hearing to investigate the challenges observed during the election, noting that key electoral officials were not placed under oath to explain what transpired.

He described the situation as unacceptable and reiterated that public trust in electoral technology should be earned through transparency and accountability rather than assumed.

The policy expert stressed that an independent and bipartisan audit of INEC’s technological infrastructure would help restore public confidence and strengthen the credibility of future elections in Nigeria.