The 2023 election bruhaha: El-Rufai’s confession and the Integrity of INEC

By Swill Mavua

The 2023 presidential election in Nigeria has been widely regarded as one of the most contentious in the country’s fourth republic democratic pursuit. The election was marred by allegations of massive rigging, and the outcome was met with widespread criticism and skepticism. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Judiciary were ridiculed for their roles in the election, and many believe that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its candidate, Bola Tinubu, stole the election.

One key figure who played a significant role in the 2023 election was Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State. El-Rufai was a strong supporter of Tinubu’s candidacy and campaigned vigorously for him. He even traveled with Tinubu to Chatham House, where they presented their mission and manifesto to the international community and Nigerians in the diaspora.

However, after the election, El-Rufai and Tinubu somehow fell apart. Today, El-Rufai is one of the key movers of the ADC coalition, which is determined to oust Tinubu from office in 2027. While this would not be a problem in itself, as the Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of movement and association, El-Rufai’s recent confession to the rigging of the 2023 election has raised serious concerns.

In his confession, El-Rufai confirmed that Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate, won the election but was rigged out. He even provided graphic figures to support his claim, stating that Obi won in 19 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja. According to El-Rufai, Tinubu did not win the election but came a distant third behind Atiku Abubakar.

The confession has further impugned the already battered integrity of INEC. The commission has yet to refute El-Rufai’s claim, and this has raised questions about the credibility of the electoral process. The INEC chair, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, needs to do more than keep mum and prove to Nigerians that Tinubu truly won the election. This is the only way he can restore the integrity of INEC and make Nigerians believe that their votes will count in future elections.

There is a strong need for an independent inquiry into El-Rufai’s claim to ascertain the truth or otherwise. The allegation is too weighty to be swept under the carpet. Such inquiry would help to clear the air and restore confidence in the electoral process. The inquiry would also provide an opportunity for Nigerians to know the truth about the 2023 election and would help to prevent similar controversies in future elections.

El-Rufai’s confession has raised serious concerns about the integrity of INEC and the electoral process. The commission needs to take immediate action to address these concerns and restore confidence in the electoral process. An independent inquiry into El-Rufai’s claim would be a step in the right direction, and it would help to ensure that Nigerians’ votes count in future elections.

The way forward is for INEC to take immediate action to address the concerns raised by El-Rufai’s confession. This would involve conducting a thorough investigation into the allegations and taking necessary steps to restore confidence in the electoral process. The commission should also take steps to improve the transparency and credibility of the electoral process, including the use of technology to prevent rigging and ensure that votes are accurately counted.

The government also has a role to play, not only to save itself but in ensuring that the electoral process is credible and transparent. The government should support INEC in its efforts to improve the electoral process and ensure that the commission has the necessary resources and independence to carry out its functions effectively. But critics are worried that the Tinubu administration is likely the type that would adhere to transparency of the electoral processes.

The 2023 election has highlighted the need for electoral reform in Nigeria. The government and INEC should work together to implement reforms that would improve the credibility and transparency of the electoral process. This would include reforms such as the use of technology to prevent rigging and ensure that votes are accurately counted.