Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and the 2023 presidential candidate for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), recently called on Nigerian youth to take the reins in confronting the flaws of the country’s electoral system.
In a world increasingly driven by technology and innovation, Nigeria’s outdated manual collation of election results remains a significant challenge that undermines the country’s democratic process.
Atiku’s remarks came during the inauguration and conference of the Nigerian Youths for Atiku (NYFA) in Abuja, where he delivered a powerful speech urging the next generation to stand up, challenge the status quo, and demand electoral reforms.
At the heart of his message was a call for the youth to confront the longstanding issues plaguing the electoral system, such as the manual collation of results, which he believes contributes to election malpractices and undermines the people’s trust in the electoral process.
In this article, we will explore Atiku Abubakar’s compelling call to action, the need for electoral reforms, the implications of Nigeria’s current electoral system, and how the youth can be the driving force behind much-needed change.
The State of Nigeria’s Electoral System: A Call for Urgent Reform
Nigeria’s electoral system, despite some strides made in recent years, continues to face significant challenges that hinder the smooth running of elections.
One of the most persistent problems is the manual collation of election results. The current system allows for human intervention at various stages of the election process, providing an opening for corruption and malpractice.
This flaw erodes the integrity of the system and compromises the credibility of election outcomes.
Atiku Abubakar, with his deep political experience, has long advocated for reforms to Nigeria’s electoral system.
His call for a shift to electronic collation of election results is not just a suggestion but a necessary step to modernize the country’s democratic process.
In his view, embracing technology in the electoral system will not only improve transparency but also reduce the potential for election manipulation.
The lack of electronic collation also has broader implications. For example, it contributes to delays in announcing election results, which can fuel suspicions of fraud and erode public trust in the electoral process.
In contrast, countries like Turkey have adopted electronic systems that process results swiftly and transparently, significantly reducing the chances for manipulation.
Atiku used Turkey as a prime example of how an electoral system can function smoothly and efficiently without relying on manual collation, emphasizing that Nigeria has a long way to go in this regard.
The Role of Nigerian Youth in Electoral Reforms
Atiku’s call to action is especially directed at Nigeria’s youth. He believes that the younger generation has the power, passion, and determination to confront the challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral system.
He urged the youth to rise to the occasion and hold the political establishment accountable for the shortcomings in the electoral process.
Youth involvement in political matters is not a new concept, but Atiku emphasized that the stakes are higher than ever.
The future of Nigeria is in the hands of its youth, and it is their responsibility to fight for a better, more transparent electoral system.
If the youth fail to demand the necessary reforms, the country risks continuing down the same path of electoral challenges that have plagued Nigeria for decades.
Atiku’s own experience in politics, which spans decades, has shaped his perspective on the importance of youth participation.
As a young man, Atiku was deeply involved in Nigeria’s struggle for democracy, and he has often shared stories of the sacrifices he made during military rule, including going into exile to escape persecution.
His dedication to improving Nigeria’s political landscape is evident in his ongoing advocacy for electoral reforms.
Now, Atiku sees the youth as the key players in moving Nigeria forward and ensuring that the country’s democracy truly serves its people.
A Global Perspective on Electoral System Reforms
In his speech, Atiku also drew attention to the advancements in electoral systems around the world.
He highlighted the example of the 2023 Turkish presidential election, which was conducted entirely through electronic collation.
The Turkish system allowed for quick, transparent, and accurate results without the need for manual intervention at any stage.
This method of result collation ensured that the election process was efficient, and there was no room for manipulation at the ward, local government, or state level.
Atiku pointed out that in Turkey, when the leading candidate failed to meet the required 50% threshold for a win, the results were calculated electronically and precisely.
Instead of relying on manual intervention to round up the percentage, the election authorities followed the rules strictly. The process was not only efficient but also trusted by the people.
The transparency of the system allowed for a fair conclusion to the election, where the results were delivered in real-time, with no room for human error or manipulation.
Nigeria, on the other hand, continues to rely heavily on manual processes that allow for human error and, in some cases, intentional manipulation.
Atiku argues that this must change if Nigeria is to become a truly democratic nation.
He believes that Nigeria must modernize its electoral system by incorporating technology and electronic collation of results to enhance transparency, trust, and the overall efficiency of the electoral process.
The Challenges of Electoral System Reform in Nigeria
While the benefits of a modern, electronic electoral system are clear, Atiku acknowledged the challenges Nigeria faces in implementing such reforms.
The reluctance of some political leaders to embrace these changes is one of the biggest obstacles.
Many politicians resist reforms because the current system provides them with an opportunity to exploit loopholes for personal gain.
This resistance to change is one of the main reasons why Nigeria’s electoral system remains outdated and inefficient.
Another challenge is the political environment itself. With elections being held at the federal, state, and local government levels, there are many stakeholders with varying interests, which complicates the process of passing comprehensive electoral reforms.
Atiku believes that the National Assembly, which has the power to amend electoral laws, must prioritize reforms that will allow for a more modern, transparent, and efficient electoral process.
However, the political will to push such reforms through remains lacking.
Despite these challenges, Atiku remains optimistic about the potential for change. He believes that if the youth mobilize and demand these reforms, the political establishment will have no choice but to listen.
The youth must hold their representatives accountable and ensure that they push for laws that will make the electoral process more transparent and trustworthy.
Why the Youth Must Take Action
Atiku’s speech at the NYFA conference underscored the importance of youth involvement in the fight for electoral reform.
He told the gathering of young Nigerians that the future of their country depended on their willingness to confront the challenges facing the electoral system.
The current system is not just an inconvenience it is a fundamental issue that threatens the integrity of Nigeria’s democracy.
Without reform, the country risks falling into a cycle of distrust and disillusionment with the political process.
For Atiku, the fight for electoral reform is a personal one. He recalled the struggles of his generation, which fought for a return to democracy after years of military rule.
Atiku was among the many political figures who endured exile, persecution, and personal sacrifice in the battle for democratic governance in Nigeria.
Now, he urges the youth to carry the torch forward and ensure that the democracy they fought for delivers the benefits it promised.
The youth are the future leaders of Nigeria, and they must not allow the current state of the electoral system to define their future.
The Path to Electoral Reform: A Call for Collective Action
Atiku’s vision for electoral reform in Nigeria goes beyond just technological changes.
He believes that for the reforms to be effective, there must be a collective effort from all stakeholders, including political leaders, civil society organizations, and the electorate.
The youth must be at the forefront of this movement, demanding change and holding political leaders accountable for their actions.
The process of reforming Nigeria’s electoral system will not be easy, but Atiku remains confident that with determination, persistence, and a collective will, change is possible.
He called on the NYFA members to continue pushing for reforms that will improve Nigeria’s democracy and strengthen its electoral system.
By doing so, they will help create a more transparent, fair, and inclusive electoral process for future generations.
The Power of Youth in Shaping Nigeria’s Electoral Future
Atiku Abubakar’s message to Nigerian youth is clear: the future of Nigeria’s electoral system is in your hands. The youth must rise to the challenge and fight for the reforms that will ensure a fairer, more transparent, and efficient electoral process.
By embracing technology and pushing for electronic collation of results, Nigeria can modernize its electoral system and restore the people’s faith in the democratic process.
The call for electoral system reforms is not just about technology it is about creating a system that works for the people.
Nigeria’s youth must lead the charge in demanding a better electoral system, one that is free from manipulation, inefficiencies, and human error.
Through collective action, the youth can help transform Nigeria’s democracy into one that truly serves the people.
Nigerian youth, the time to act is now. Stand up, demand change, and ensure that your future is defined by a transparent and efficient electoral system.
Join the movement for electoral reforms and make your voice heard. The future of Nigeria’s democracy depends on your commitment to this cause. Will you rise to the challenge?
Author: NIGPOST Team
Date: May 3, 2025
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