The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has found himself in the eye of a storm following comments about Ghana’s recent election. Speaking as an observer under the ECOWAS framework, Mahmood suggested that Ghana had drawn lessons from Nigeria in conducting its polls. This remark has sparked heated debates in Nigeria, where many continue to criticize the electoral process that brought the current administration to power under his leadership.
Delving into the context of Mahmood’s statement reveals a more nuanced perspective. His comments, extracted from an interview, primarily referenced procedural elements rather than the outcomes of elections. He noted that Ghana’s electoral body adopted a new approach by announcing parliamentary results at constituency levels rather than centralizing the process in Accra, as had been the norm. Only the presidential results were declared at the national headquarters, which streamlined operations and enhanced transparency.
Professor Mahmood also highlighted another key difference: the political stability in Ghana, where both the president-elect and his main opponent are long-standing members of their respective parties. This contrasts sharply with Nigeria, where political defection is rampant, with candidates frequently switching parties to advance their ambitions. Mahmood suggested that Ghana’s model promotes party loyalty and strengthens the political process, a lesson Nigeria could benefit from adopting.
Despite these observations, Nigerians remain critical of INEC’s performance during the 2023 elections, citing significant lapses. Discrepancies such as announcing results before proper collation, failure to upload results on the INEC portal in some areas, and allegations of corruption among electoral officers fueled public distrust. The midnight declaration of the presidential election results further deepened suspicions, with some alleging that the outcome was influenced by bribery.
The 2023 elections also saw widespread reports of violence, ballot box snatching, and voter suppression, which dampened public morale and sparked outrage on social media. Videos circulated online showing discrepancies between polling unit results and figures announced by INEC, further eroding confidence in the electoral process.
In stark contrast, Ghana’s recent election has been hailed as a model of peaceful and credible democratic practice. Although minor disturbances were reported, they were swiftly addressed, and arrests were made. The overall conduct of the election was largely peaceful, with voters demonstrating remarkable patience and discipline.
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One of the most striking moments came after the election, when the vice president and a major contender, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, graciously congratulated the president-elect, opposition leader and former president John Dramani Mahama. This act of sportsmanship was echoed by the outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo, who hosted Mahama to discuss a smooth transition, exemplifying political maturity.
The efficiency of Ghana’s electoral process also drew praise. According to ECOWAS observers, polling stations opened promptly at 7 a.m., and the timeliness of electoral officers and voters contributed significantly to the smooth conduct of the polls. International observers commended Ghana’s election as a beacon of hope for democracy in Africa, urging other nations on the continent to emulate its example.
For Nigeria, the Ghanaian experience underscores the importance of prioritizing transparency, timeliness, and political stability in electoral processes. Beyond the procedural reforms, the spirit of unity and peaceful concession exhibited in Ghana’s election offers a critical lesson in upholding democracy and restoring public trust in the electoral system.
