The Human Rights Pathfinders Association (HURPA) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to undertake urgent reforms of Nigeria’s national electoral system to eliminate rigging, malpractice, and disputes over candidates’ academic qualifications.
In a statement released on Saturday, HURPA emphasized the need for greater transparency in elections, including live streaming of results to the public, likening the process to how sports events are broadcast in real-time.
HURPA further urged a review of academic requirements for elective positions across the country. The association proposed that the presidency should require a minimum of a master’s degree, governorship positions a bachelor’s degree or HND, and other elective offices at least a National Diploma.
The association also called for strict penalties for electoral malpractices, including imprisonment for offenders and a lifetime ban from contesting future elections, to deter unethical conduct and strengthen the integrity of the electoral process.
“The credibility of Nigeria’s elections is central to national development. Leaders must be qualified, accountable, and elected transparently to earn the trust of citizens,” the statement read.
HURPA’s recommendations come amid growing public concern over election disputes and questions about candidates’ academic qualifications in previous polls. The association stressed that implementing these reforms would promote fairness, transparency, and confidence in Nigeria’s democracy.
Comments
Join the conversation and share your thoughts.
Login Required
Please login to join the conversation and post a comment.
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this story.