Obasanjo criticizes abuse of BVAS and IReV in Nigerian elections

The Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has criticized the abuse of Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and the INEC Election Result Viewing Portal (IReV) in Nigerian elections, citing the last presidential general election 2023.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), Obasanjo made the comments while giving his keynote address at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University on Friday.

The former president attributed the problems with BVAS and the INEC IReV to intentional human actions, rather than technological failures.

Obasanjo in his speech, emphasized the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to tackle Nigeria’s governance challenges, which have been worsened by the ongoing leadership crisis.

He stated the need for Nigeria to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to tackle its deep-seated issues, including economic underperformance, instability, and low human development achievements.

The ex-president emphasized that Nigeria’s core issue stems from poor leadership, echoing Chinua Achebe’s sentiments in “The Trouble with Nigeria” that the country’s problems aren’t inherent to its people or land, but rather a result of failed leaders.

Besides, Obasanjo stressed the critical role of education in democratic participation and effective leadership, echoing Nelson Mandela’s words: “Education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.”

He stated that a thriving democracy requires informed citizens and morally responsible leaders, as noted by Chinua Achebe.

The former president proposed electoral reform, calling for “stricter ballot security,” ensuring that votes are cast and counted accurately.

In addition, he advocated for accurate voter’s registration, making sure that only eligible voters can participate. This involves purging voter rolls of deceased or ineligible individuals and preventing duplicate registrations.

Obasanjo concluded his address stating “don’t get complacent, it’s time to tackle Nigeria’s leadership and governance challenges head-on.” He emphasized that Nigeria’s significance makes its failure unimaginable, especially considering its vital role in maintaining Africa’s stability and prosperity.

Who is Obasanjo?

Olusegun Obasanjo is a Nigerian military and political leader who served as President of Nigeria from 1999 to 2007. He was born on March 5, 1937, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

Early Life and Education of Obasanjo

Obasanjo attended St. Peter’s Primary School and Baptist Boys’ High School, graduated from the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1960 and was trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, UK.

Military Career of Obasanjo

The Nigerian politician was commissioned into the Nigerian Army in 1960served in the Congo as part of the United Nations peacekeeping force between 1960 and 1961, and participated in Nigeria’s civil war between 1967 and 1970.

He was promoted to General in 1976 and served as the Head of State between 1976 and 1979. He oversaw Nigeria’s transition to democracy in 1979.

Presidency (1999-2007)

Baba Iyabo was elected as the executive president of Nigeria in 1999 and was re-elected in 2003.

He introduced democratic reforms and economic policies, established the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and played key roles in regional and international organizations (ECOWAS, AU, Commonwealth).

Post-Presidency

After leaving office in 2007, Obasanjo became the Chairman, African Union Panel of the Wise and also Special Envoy, United Nations Secretary-General (2008).

Awards and Honors

He was conferred National honors by the Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (GCFR) and Order of the Companions of O.R. Tambo (South Africa), Grand Cross of the National Order of the Republic of Benin.

Personal Life

Olusegun was married to Esther Oluremi Obasanjo until her death and has multiple children and grandchildren.

Controversies and Criticisms

Obasanjo has faced allegations of corruption, electoral malpractices, handling of Niger Delta conflicts, human rights issues, and was criticized for third-term agenda, attempts to amend constitution.

Legacy

He played a significant role in Nigeria’s transition to democracy, implemented economic reforms and infrastructure development, contributed to regional and international peace and security efforts, and remains an influential figure in Nigerian politics and African affairs.

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