8 hours ago
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Leadership coach and political activist, Adetokunbo Olufela Durotoye, has accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of being the major obstacle to democracy in Nigeria.
He alleged that the electoral body deliberately suppresses voters to protect the political establishment.
Durotoye made the claim during an interview on The Exchange Podcast, hosted by Olufemi Soneye.
According to him, INEC has become the most frustrating collaborator with those in power, using administrative procedures to prevent Nigerians from freely participating in elections.
Durotoye said INEC, not just politicians, remains the biggest barrier to democracy, arguing that the electoral system is deliberately structured to frustrate voters.
He specifically criticised the continued use of the Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), arguing that it is no longer necessary in an age of advanced technology.
“There is no technical reason to insist on physical voter cards when INEC already has our biometrics, fingerprints, and facial data. The PVC is being used to limit turnout, not to protect the vote.”
Durotoye also faulted the voter registration process, describing it as slow, inefficient, and unfriendly, especially to young Nigerians who are eager to participate in elections.
He said these challenges affect non-establishment voters the most, whom he described as the real threat to entrenched political interests.
“The people being blocked are those outside the establishment. Those are the ones they fear.”
The leadership coach further raised concerns about the lack of accountability within INEC, noting that officials accused of electoral misconduct are rarely punished as individuals.
“There is a corporate shield around INEC. Until people are personally prosecuted and sent to jail for compromising elections, nothing will change.”
He also spoke on the growing dominance of political elites, warning that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party system due to mass defections by politicians.
According to him, while political choices have become clearer, governance has suffered.
Durotoye warned that mass defections by political elites are pushing Nigeria toward a one-party system, leaving voters with fewer meaningful choices and weakening accountability.
He maintained that despite these obstacles, recent elections have demystified the political elite and shown that establishment power is not invincible.
Durotoye predicted that a growing citizens’ movement, driven by previously non-voting Nigerians, would eventually overwhelm even the most compromised systems.
“Even though government institutions may resist change, sustained civic engagement and mass participation will make it harder to continue manipulating elections,” he said.
