The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that its Result Viewing (IReV) portal does not fail during the 2027 general elections.
Dr Abimbola Oyetunde, NUJ Deputy National President, gave the charge in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.
She said INEC must address potential technical challenges associated with its electoral technology, logistics and deployment to guarantee transparency, credibility and public confidence in the electoral process.
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“We do not want a situation where problems arise during voting or where the IReV system fails.
“The commission should address these concerns and ensure that the election is transparent.
“Whoever wins should be declared the winner without manipulation.
“Candidates who are legitimately qualified to contest should not have their names removed from the ballot through political interference or backdoor arrangements.
“INEC must be fair to all political parties,” she said.
Oyetunde also urged political leaders to avoid actions that could overheat the polity and discourage citizens from participating in the 2027 general elections.
She advised politicians to embrace issue-based campaigns, warning that threats and intimidation could scare voters and undermine electoral participation.
“Politicians are overheating the polity, and this is not good for the country. The economy is already challenging, and people may become afraid of going out because of the threats and intimidation among politicians.
“They should focus on issue-based campaigns and ensure that their actions positively affect voters and citizens.
“I urge politicians and INEC to provide a level playing field for everybody.
“Politicians should understand that whatever they do today will become part of their history. They should not destroy the future of our children through threats, thuggery and other acts of violence.
“They should concentrate on issue-based campaigns, while INEC must also be adequately prepared,” she said.
Oyetunde stressed that INEC’s preparedness and impartiality, alongside responsible political conduct, were essential to ensuring credible elections and sustaining public confidence in democracy.
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