From 'Glitch' in 2023 to the Next Excuse in 2027: Bishop Kukah Warns of Lingering Electoral Shadows"

 

In a candid reflection on Nigeria's turbulent political landscape, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has drawn a sharp line from the infamous "glitch" of the 2023 general elections to potential new excuses awaiting voters in 2027.

Speaking in a recent interview, Bishop Kukah recalled how the word "glitch" suddenly dominated national conversation during the February 2023 presidential poll. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) cited a "technical glitch" to explain why presidential results were not transmitted in real-time via its Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), despite earlier assurances from Chairman Mahmood Yakubu that technology would ensure credibility and transparency.

The glitch—never heard in such a context before—sparked outrage, legal challenges, and deep-seated distrust among millions of Nigerians who believed it masked irregularities. Opposition parties, civil society groups, and international observers pointed to discrepancies between polling unit results and official tallies, with many alleging manipulation in key states.

Bishop Kukah, a vocal critic of governance lapses and advocate for justice, used the anecdote to underscore a recurring pattern: "In the last election, it was ‘glitch’; we never heard that word before. The next thing now, we don’t know which other word we are going to hear in 2027. Our people must remain vigilant."

His remarks come amid growing calls for electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections. Issues like real-time result transmission, BVAS functionality, and manual collation safeguards remain contentious. Peter Obi, the Labour Party candidate in 2023 who has continued to challenge the outcome, has similarly urged lawmakers not to repeat the "glitch" scenario.

Kukah's warning extends beyond elections. He described it as "madness" to deny reports of Christian persecution in parts of the country, linking electoral integrity to broader questions of equity, security, and national unity. Having been active in pro-democracy struggles since the 1990s under military rule, the bishop positioned himself as a frontline witness to Nigeria's democratic journey—and its persistent vulnerabilities.

As 2027 approaches, Kukah's words serve as a reminder: excuses may change, but the stakes for credible elections remain the same. Vigilance, he argues, is not optional—it's essential for safeguarding democracy.

Whether the next "glitch" equivalent emerges as a new technical term, logistical pretext, or something unforeseen, Bishop Kukah's caution resonates: Nigerians must stay alert to protect their votes and their future.