Kukah Demands Transparent, Credible Polls from INEC

As the rest of Africa progresses, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Hassan Kukah, has strongly urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to hold fair and transparent elections in Nigeria, cautioning that democratic stasis could isolate the nation.

Speaking in Abuja at the 2025 Leadership Annual Conference and Awards, which had as its topic “African Political Stability and Sustainable Development in an Increasingly Unstable Global System,” Kukah emphasized the need for political responsibility and electoral reform immediately.

He told the crowd to applaud, “By God, by whatever means, give us clean and credible elections.”

According to Kukah, who presided over the high-level gathering, Nigeria is essential to the political stability of Africa and the continent cannot prosper if its most populous country continues to be in political turmoil.

“Without Nigeria, a roadmap to restore Africa’s greatness cannot be implemented,” he stated.

However, Nigeria won’t be the only country in Africa to wait. They won’t wait for us to choose whether to disseminate the election results by livestream, broadcast, videocast, or podcast.

Kukah emphasized that although big nations are shifting their stances, Africa is still ill-prepared and underrepresented, highlighting the continent’s strategic significance in the global struggle for resources.

“In Washington, the boys are talking about critical minerals,” Kukah remarked.

Dealing with these resources, which are necessary for the development and industrialization of their nation, is currently America’s biggest challenge. They are reestablishing their mining ecosystems, safeguarding their mining businesses, and making investments in mining.

He bemoaned the fact that Africa is not included in international decision-making, even though it is the source of many of these highly sought-after commodities.

“We’re not at the table,” he replied. Africa is the primary location on the agenda once more as the superpowers assess what appears to be a new Berlin Conference.

Internal unrest and faulty election procedures, Kukah cautioned, will only serve to erode Africa’s reputation internationally.

“As Africa is drowning in its own blood and strengthening its vulnerability, other countries are advancing in their dominance,” he added.

Africa as a whole won’t wait for us to give in to paralysis. It must be done correctly.

He pushed political leaders to make sure that elections represent the people’s desire rather than just the procedures for compiling and disseminating the results.

Using the platform, Kukah also promoted cross-sectoral cooperation in Nigeria’s development, emphasizing that advancement necessitates integrity, creativity, and shared accountability.

According to him, the focus of this conference is Nigeria, including our current situation, lessons learned, and future goals. Excellence, not perfection, dedication, faith, and tenacious service to this country are what we honor.