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For many years, I’ve had this
unshakable belief that my vote will count one day. In spite of the
humiliation of June 12th, I’ve faithfully – or blindly voted since
then! I believe President Jonathan has the golden opportunity to
facilitate credible elections come 2011.

I think I speak for many Nigerians when
I say we are glad that Mr. Maurice Iwu was sacked. Whether Mr.
President was motivated by public opinion, international pressure or
sound advisers – we don’t know. We are only glad to be rid of Iwu. We
are however not deluded in thinking that Iwu was the only impediment
towards credible elections.

I am not an expert in electoral
matters, but I’m passionate about competitiveness, fairness and good
leadership. I’ve studied, observed, read articles and listened to
commentaries. I recently asked a group of “Concerned Nigerians” a
simple question: which three stakeholders could affect the outcome of
elections the most? I asked them to choose from the following: the
ruling party, INEC chairman, the Police, the voting public,
registration process and authentication, media, electoral officials and
party officials.

The ‘unrigged’ results came in – and
80% of those surveyed chose INEC chairman, the voting public and the
voters’ authentication process. While a survey of 20 people cannot be
compared to the detailed, yet-to-be-implemented Uwais report, I’d like
to focus on two of these results.

I believe an inspired voting public, a
courageous INEC chairman and a sound registration/authentication
process can counter the evil machinations of the ruling party, corrupt
electoral officials, misled policemen and desperate politicians. Of all
the stakeholders above, only the media seems to have scored above
average – and they should continue to sustain the coverage and in-depth
analysis of the players, factors and issues Choosing an INEC chairman
who has a proven track record of ‘delivering’, whose integrity cannot
be questioned and who can withstand pressure from the Presidency and
rogue politicians is the first step to restore confidence to the voting
public and the international community. We need someone who will spur
apathetic voters – those who complain more but have no faith in the
‘system’ – to rise up, register, participate and defend their votes.
This is the first step on this journey to credible elections.

May I recommend (to Mr. President and
his advisers), names like Nuhu Ribadu, El Rufai, Dora Akunyili, or
Christopher Kolade. While I believe there are many more Nigerians who
can fit the bill, we need ‘popular, renowned’ names that will re-jig
the ‘usual’ voters, motivate the ‘siddon-lookers’ – and strike some
fear in the hearts of rogue politicians.

Retired justices and university
chancellors’ may have integrity, but may also fail to bring the added
dimension of vibrancy and public inspiration – through regular
communication, assurance – and threats! Iwu was right about one thing –
voter apathy is a major issue. While experiences like June 12 and 2007
may seem to justify our ‘siddon look and complain’ stance, Nigerians
need to persevere. Most Nigerians want competence over zoning. If the
next president is a ‘youth’ at 45 and can provide us 8 hours of power
daily (let’s start with that!), we don’t care. If the next president
hails from Rivers, Bauchi or Edo – but rehabilitates our failing
educational and health systems – Nigerians in the Diaspora will vote!
If the new president is a ‘Madam’ President, and she can facilitate a
functional rail system, efficient ferries (and fixing the Lagos-Benin
expressway), …no shaking! All we are saying, President Jonathan is
‘consider the Uwais report, give us a vibrant and tough chairman and
let’s get on with the registration process. To Nigerians, I say this.
When we don’t register, vote and protect our votes – we facilitate
rigging. Prayer is good – but we must act too. We can’t blame INEC (and
government) for everything.

Will I prefer the status quo – and
elections in January/April 2011 or a reformed electoral process – and
deferred elections in November 2011; a two-party system, 10-party
system or unlimited? Should Jonathan run or not? These are debates for
another day!

Akanimo Ekong is Executive Director – Resourcery Plc