A pro-democracy group, Adopt-a-Goal for Development Initiative, has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct free and fair general election in 2027, and said such would be a tribute to late Ariyo Dare Atoye, a democracy advocate.
Atoye, an advocate for electoral reforms, democratic accountability and citizens’ participation, died on October 27, 2022.
The group in a statement by its Executive Director, Kunle Afolabi, said Atoye devoted much of his public life to strengthening the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.
“The greatest monument Nigeria can build in his honour is not made of concrete or marble. It is an electoral system Nigerians can trust,” Afolabi stated.
According to him, the 2027 election presents a historic opportunity to transform Atoye’s electoral reform advocacy from remembrance into reality.
“The most fitting tribute to his memory will be a 2027 general election in which every eligible Nigerian can vote freely and every lawful vote counts.
“Technology must work as promised, results must reflect the will of the people and the process must command public confidence,” he added.
The organisation reminded INEC that it would be judged not only by logistics or deployment of technology but also by the impartial, transparent and credible conduct of the elections.
“The 2027 election should become the election in which Nigerians no longer have to debate whether their votes counted or whether technology failed when it mattered most.
“This is the standard Ariyo fought for, and this is the standard Nigeria must now deliver,” the group stated.
It also called for violent-free election, and said political parties and their candidates should reject violence, intimidation and vote-buying, and allow Nigerians to exercise their franchise freely.
“No political ambition is worth the blood of a Nigerian.
“Atoye’s advocacy was fundamentally about ensuring that political power is obtained through the consent of citizens, not through violence, manipulation, intimidation or subversion of institutions,” it said.