The Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, has lauded Ghana’s electoral process for its innovation and political stability, describing it as a model for African democracies. Yakubu’s commendation came after monitoring Ghana’s 2024 presidential election, where former President John Mahama emerged victorious.
The election, held on Saturday, December 7, 2024, saw Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, defeating Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia. The Vice President, representing the New Patriotic Party (NPP), conceded gracefully, stating in a public address, “The people of Ghana have spoken, and they have voted for change at this time. We respect this with all humility.”
A Model of Stability
Yakubu, speaking in a video obtained by reporters, highlighted key factors that contributed to Ghana’s political stability, including the consistency of its political party structures and the loyalty of its electorate.
“Rarely in Ghana do you see people moving from one party to another with every general election. This provides stability for their political system and ensures a robust base of supporters, whether the party is in power or opposition,” he remarked.
Yakubu also noted the perseverance of Ghanaian leaders, referencing President Nana Akufo-Addo, who contested multiple elections before eventually succeeding.
Contrasting Realities in Nigeria
While Yakubu’s praise for Ghana’s electoral system is noteworthy, it draws a sharp contrast to Nigeria’s recent electoral challenges. The 2023 general elections in Nigeria were marred by widespread allegations of irregularities, delayed results, and controversies over declared outcomes. Notably, INEC faced criticism for its prolonged delay in concluding the presidential election results, nearly two years after the polls.
Furthermore, Yakubu himself has come under scrutiny. International media, including the BBC, raised questions about INEC’s handling of key state results. For instance, the BBC alleged discrepancies in Rivers State, where INEC declared Bola Ahmed Tinubu the winner despite independent reports suggesting Peter Obi had secured more votes.
Lessons to Learn
Ghana’s seamless electoral process and political maturity offer valuable lessons for Nigeria. The timely announcement of results, orderly transitions, and acceptance of outcomes by candidates demonstrate a commitment to democratic principles that Nigeria could emulate.
Observers argue that Nigeria’s electoral commission must adopt innovations that ensure transparency, rebuild public trust, and uphold the credibility of the democratic process. Additionally, fostering political stability through consistent party structures and voter education could reduce voter apathy and partisanship.
A Path Forward
As INEC continues to oversee Nigeria’s complex electoral landscape, Yakubu’s observations from Ghana serve as a reminder of the work required to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy. While Ghana’s election reflects a well-oiled democratic system, the challenges in Nigeria highlight the urgent need for reforms that prioritize accountability and fairness.
With Africa’s largest democracy still grappling with its electoral challenges, stakeholders hope that Yakubu’s experience monitoring Ghana’s elections will inspire actionable steps toward restoring faith in Nigeria’s electoral process.
