Nigeria’s Executive Director of the International Press Centre (IPC), Lanre Arogundade, said some challenges experienced in the 2023 general elections have created doubts in the minds of the electorate in the country.
He asserted this while delivering the welcome address at a one-day multi-stakeholder dialogue on rebuilding trust in the electoral processes, institutions, and elections held on Thursday in Kaduna State.
According to Arogundade: “As we do know, while the election recorded commendable landmarks, particularly in terms of meticulous planning and the use of voting technology via BVAS, it also had challenges, some of which have created doubts in the minds of sections of the electorate.”
He stated that what was deduced from the various comments and opinions in the 2023 general elections are trust and confidence issues concerning the electoral processes, electoral institutions and elections that have to be urgently addressed.
He added that they are essential for ensuring the desired participation of citizens in activities that could lead to credible elections.
According to him: “Trust is the glue of life. It’s the most essential ingredient in effective communication. It’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships.”