Senator Ali Ndume, representing Southern Borno, has expressed serious concerns about Nigeria’s electoral process, claiming it is intentionally complicated to enable manipulation. Speaking during an interactive session with journalists in Kano after a Senate retreat on constitutional review, Ndume, a former Senate Majority Leader, emphasized his support for local government autonomy and the role of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in conducting local elections.
Ndume criticized the proposal to create a National Local Government Electoral Commission, arguing that it is unnecessary and that the existing INEC could effectively manage these responsibilities. He highlighted the complexity of Nigeria’s electoral system as a barrier to fair elections, asking, “Why don’t we make laws that ensure the votes count? Why not enable citizens to elect someone from their phones? Why can’t INEC monitor elections using technology?”
He attributed the challenges in the electoral system to a lack of sincerity, honesty, and ethical leadership among politicians.
Beyond elections, Ndume addressed the issue of widespread corruption in Nigeria, lamenting how those who embezzle public funds often evade consequences and are even celebrated. He recounted his unsuccessful attempts to introduce a law addressing unexplained wealth in the National Assembly, noting that such initiatives have consistently failed to gain support.
“Our major challenge in this country is corruption,” he stated. “In Nigeria, if someone who was poor last week suddenly acquires ten cars and a jet, they are celebrated. In developed countries, they would question how that wealth was obtained.”
Ndume revealed that he had sought the backing of a former Head of State to push for an executive bill on unexplained wealth but has yet to see any significant progress, stating, “There is no Unexplained Wealth Act or executive order addressing it in Nigeria.”