Electoral Risk Warning Nigeria as Dr George Agbakahi cautions against parallel election result systems, insisting only INEC can declare outcomes
Political affairs analyst and All Progressives Congress, APC, chieftain Dr George Agbakahi on Thursday issued an Electoral Risk Warning Nigeria, cautioning against proposals for political parties and private organisations to establish parallel systems for declaring election results.
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Dr George Agbakahi made the remarks in a detailed response to recent suggestions attributed to political economist Professor Pat Utomi, warning that such initiatives could undermine constitutional order and destabilise Nigeria’s democratic framework.
He stressed that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, remains the only constitutionally empowered body to authenticate and declare election results, describing any alternative structure as a threat to national stability.
Agbakahi argued that the legitimacy of Nigeria’s electoral system depends on a single recognised authority responsible for determining outcomes, noting that the Constitution and Electoral Act clearly assign that responsibility exclusively to INEC.
He explained that while political parties are entitled to monitor elections and access result sheets through accredited agents, such access does not translate into legal authority to announce winners.
APC chieftain highlighted the role of existing electoral reforms, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System and the INEC Result Viewing Portal, as tools that already enhance transparency without shifting constitutional responsibilities.
Dr George Agbakahi described proposals for independent result declaration platforms as potentially dangerous, warning that they could create competing narratives of electoral legitimacy and deepen political divisions.
He cautioned that in an increasingly digital environment influenced by artificial intelligence and rapid information dissemination, conflicting electoral claims could escalate confusion and weaken public trust in democratic institutions.
According to him, Nigeria’s electoral system must avoid fragmentation, stressing that only INEC possesses the institutional mandate to provide a final and binding declaration of results.
Agbakahi further noted that constitutional mechanisms already exist for aggrieved parties, including election petition tribunals and appellate courts, which he described as the appropriate channels for dispute resolution.
He rejected arguments suggesting that parallel result declarations could be justified under freedom of expression, insisting that such rights are subject to lawful restrictions aimed at protecting public order and democratic stability.
APC chieftain also warned that similar disputes over electoral legitimacy have historically triggered political unrest in Nigeria and other African countries, referencing past post-election crises as cautionary examples.
He urged electoral stakeholders to strengthen confidence in official institutions rather than introduce competing systems that could undermine national cohesion.
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Dr George Agbakahi concluded by calling for stricter enforcement of existing electoral laws and enhanced transparency by INEC to maintain public trust ahead of future elections.
