***Advocates Electoral Reforms, Increased Women Representation
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Kogi State Director of Amnesty International, Comr. Sunday Jatto, has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to leverage modern technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and online voting systems, to deliver credible elections in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press conference in Lokoja on “Assessing the Performance of Democracy in Nigeria”, Jatto said adopting advanced technology would help eradicate vote buying, thuggery, multiple voting, and other forms of electoral malpractice.
He argued that automation—particularly the application of AI—alongside the use of Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and National Identification Numbers (NIN), could provide the backbone for transparent elections.
“Elections can be conducted online. INEC can open a secure portal on election day, allowing citizens to vote via their phones while on transit, in offices, or from the comfort of their homes,” Jatto suggested.
According to him, failure to conduct credible elections places enormous strain on the judiciary, creating loopholes for corruption and insecurity of judicial officers’ jobs.
Jatto also called for internal democracy in the selection of INEC and judiciary officials, urging the involvement of human rights groups, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and other stakeholders to guarantee transparency.
On broader reforms, the Amnesty International director demanded comprehensive electoral reforms and greater women’s representation in leadership to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
He emphasized the importance of gender equality, noting that women have historically played vital roles in advancing peace, justice, and progress.
“Any nation that sidelines women politically or economically rarely progresses. The problems of Nigeria can die a natural death when women begin to enjoy equal political rights with men. Such inclusion will naturally reduce crime, terrorism, banditry, corruption, and crises, and Nigeria will regain her lost glory,” he said.
Jatto reiterated that democracy must remain a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, stressing that the executive arm of government must respect citizens’ rights and prioritize their welfare.