Nigeria Doesn’t Need Foreign Influence for Credible Polls – Ubani, SAN

 

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association Section on Public Interest and Development Law (NBA-SPIDEL), Monday Onyekachi Ubani, has asserted that Nigeria possesses the capacity and resources to conduct credible, free, and fair elections without relying on foreign influence or external interventions.

Ubani made the statement amid ongoing national discussions on electoral integrity, particularly as the country looks ahead to the 2027 general elections. 

His comments come against the backdrop of recent debates, including calls by some political figures for international involvement to guarantee transparency, as well as criticisms of past election processes where foreign observers have played prominent roles.

Speaking as a respected legal expert with extensive experience in electoral matters, Ubani emphasized Nigeria's sovereignty and institutional maturity. He argued that true credibility in polls stems from strong domestic mechanisms, including an independent judiciary, a reformed Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), vigilant civil society, and the active participation of citizens—rather than dependence on external actors.

“Nigeria doesn’t need foreign influence for credible polls,” Ubani stated firmly. “We have the laws, the institutions, and the people to deliver elections that reflect the true will of Nigerians. What we need is genuine political will from our leaders, enforcement of existing electoral laws, and zero tolerance for manipulation by any party.”

Ubani's position highlights a growing sentiment among some Nigerian stakeholders that over-reliance on foreign observers or interventions could undermine national pride and autonomy. He pointed to historical examples where domestic reforms, such as the introduction of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and electronic transmission of results, have shown promise when properly implemented, despite challenges in past cycles.

The senior lawyer also called for sustained efforts to address root causes of electoral malpractices, including political interference, voter intimidation, logistical failures, and the monetization of politics. He urged the National Assembly, INEC, security agencies, and political parties to collaborate on further strengthening the Electoral Act and ensuring accountability at all levels.

Ubani's remarks resonate in a year marked by heightened scrutiny of democratic processes across Africa, including recent controversial elections in neighboring countries. As Nigeria prepares for future polls, his call for self-reliance underscores the need for internal reforms to build lasting trust in the electoral system.

The statement has sparked mixed reactions, with some applauding it as a bold assertion of national independence, while others maintain that international observation remains a valuable safeguard for transparency in large-scale, high-stakes elections.

Ubani, known for his advocacy on public interest issues and electoral reforms, reiterated his confidence in Nigeria's democratic potential, urging all stakeholders to prioritize integrity over external validation.