In recent months, Nigeria has witnessed a striking political phenomenon: almost all state governors are migrating to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). On the surface, this mass defection seems to signal widespread confidence in the party’s dominance. Yet, paradoxically, these same governors are resisting fundamental electoral reforms, especially the electronic transmission of election results—a reform designed to make elections transparent, fast, and credible.
This contradiction raises a pressing question: what are they afraid of?
At the heart of the matter is control. Political survival in Nigeria often depends less on policies and governance, and more on who controls the levers of power during elections. Electronic transmission of results would reduce opportunities for manipulation, delay, and “adjustments” that favor incumbents or well-connected politicians. It is a system that prioritizes accuracy and transparency over political convenience. For governors accustomed to shaping outcomes in their favor, the fear of losing that control is palpable.
Defections to the ruling party may provide short-term security—a shield against political isolation—but they do not guarantee unchallenged victories if elections are free, fair, and credible. That is why the fear of independent oversight and reliable result transmission persists, even among those who have pledged loyalty to the APC. The reluctance to embrace electoral reforms underscores a deeper insecurity: the acknowledgment that legitimacy cannot be taken for granted.
Moreover, these actions reveal a troubling dynamic in Nigerian democracy. When political elites prioritize party dominance over democratic integrity, the electorate suffers. Citizens are denied the certainty that their votes truly count, fostering disillusionment and apathy. This paradox—rulers seeking both the shield of incumbency and the benefits of power manipulation—perpetuates a system where elections are contested less at the ballot box and more behind closed doors.
The solution is clear. Nigerians must demand the full implementation of electoral reforms, particularly the electronic transmission of results, to ensure transparency and build trust in the system. Political loyalty should never be a substitute for democratic accountability. Defections to the ruling party should not intimidate the electorate into accepting compromised elections.
The question remains: will governors embrace reforms that make elections truly credible, or will they cling to outdated methods that protect their power at the expense of democracy? Until credible elections are non-negotiable, fear will continue to define the actions of those who should lead by example.
By: Godwin Offor
