Professor Pat Utomi, a member of the Movement for Credible Elections, has warned that Nigerians could be forced to “take over their country” if the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) blocks citizens from using technology to independently monitor and document elections.
Utomi made the statement during an appearance on Arise News on Tuesday, where he argued that Nigerians should be allowed to use technological devices at polling units to stream proceedings and strengthen transparency.
According to him, preventing voters from using such technology would undermine confidence in the electoral process.
“If INEC tells us that people can’t bring things to make elections transparent, then they are criminals who want the elections not to be transparent,” Utomi said.
He called for the widespread deployment of technology during elections, including body cameras and live-streaming facilities at polling units across the country.
Utomi also questioned the level of public dependence on electoral officials for information about election results, contrasting Nigeria’s system with what he described as media-driven election monitoring in the United Kingdom and United States.
“Do you know who the chair of the electoral commission is in the UK? In the US, I have no clue. Results come from the media who are monitoring elections,” he said.
The professor argued that technology could reduce opportunities for electoral manipulation, particularly in polling units where political parties may be unable to deploy agents.
He said opposition groups could collaborate to ensure voters have access to information and resources capable of strengthening election monitoring.
Utomi further maintained that widespread voter participation, combined with stronger monitoring mechanisms, could make it difficult for security agencies or political actors to frustrate the will of voters.
“The election should be technologised; body cams, live streaming from every polling booth in the country,” he said, adding, “If they don’t want it, let Nigerians take over their country.”
His comments come as political activity intensifies ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, with major political figures expected to feature prominently in the contest.
