Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega, has strongly dismissed claims that university professors serving as electoral officers accept bribes from politicians to manipulate election results.
Speaking at a public lecture on electoral integrity, Jega defended the academic community, describing professors as people of integrity who carry out their electoral duties with professionalism.
Jega, who oversaw the 2015 general elections, acknowledged that while there may be isolated cases of misconduct, the majority of academics involved in election management perform their roles diligently.
He emphasised that professors appointed as returning officers undergo strict scrutiny and training to ensure neutrality in discharging their responsibilities.
The former INEC boss argued that unfounded accusations against academics could discourage reputable scholars from participating in the electoral process, which would ultimately harm Nigeria’s democracy.
The professor of political science called for evidence-based criticism rather than blanket statements that tarnish the reputation of all electoral officials.
He suggested that electoral reforms should focus more on systemic improvements, including better welfare for ad-hoc staff and stronger punishment for verified cases of misconduct.
Jega’s comments come amid recurring debates about the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, with some stakeholders accusing INEC of compromise during elections.
His defence of academic professionals highlights ongoing discussions about how best to safeguard electoral integrity while maintaining public trust in the institutions managing Nigeria’s elections.
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cc: Daily Post Ng
